Publication
Title
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of macrophage survival in atherosclerosis
Author
Abstract
Macrophages play a key role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Although a significant number of macrophages undergoes cell death during plaque development as a result of atherogenic stressors, advanced plaques are characterized by a large macrophage content. Macrophage accumulation is mediated by continuous recruitment of monocytes, reduced emigration of macrophages and poor phagocytosis of dead cells which may trigger secondary necrosis and amplification of plaque inflammation. Moreover, an increasing body of evidence indicates that macrophages have developed several strategies to survive and to proliferate in the adverse environment of an advanced atherosclerotic plaque. Macrophages contain organic molecules or enzymes that provide enhanced antioxidant protection. In addition, synthesis of anti-apoptotic proteins is upregulated and several cellular protection mechanisms such as the unfolded protein response and autophagy are activated in macrophages to promote cellular survival. In this review, we discuss these macrophage survival mechanisms that allow growth and destabilization of advanced atherosclerotic plaques.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Basic research in cardiology / German Cardiac Society. - Heidelberg, 1973, currens
Publication
Heidelberg : Springer , 2012
ISSN
0300-8428 [print]
1435-1803 [online]
DOI
10.1007/S00395-012-0297-X
Volume/pages
107 :6 (2012) , 12 p.
Article Reference
297
ISI
000312073200002
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Selective clearance of macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques via drug-induced cell death as a strategy for plaque stabilisation.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 07.01.2013
Last edited 28.01.2024
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