[Macrophage: pathogenesis in the progression of atherosclerosis].

Abstract Atherosclerotic changes in aorta or coronary arteries involve the accumulation and activation of macrophages, which this type of cell is present not only in plaques of intima but in the outer-media and adventitia. Macrophages play important roles in the progression of atherosclerosis by exhibiting unique characteristics under the various stimuli, evolving the plaque instability, thrombus formation and remodeling. Recent studies have shown the molecules-associated with metabolism, such as sirtuin-1 and peroxisome proliferator -activated receptor gamma in macrophages, appear to be involved to modulate the atherosclerotic process. In addition, macrophages work coordinately with other immune cells like mast cells. Thus, modulation of activation and function in macrophages might be a potential therapeutic target in attenuating the atherosclerosis-based cardiovascular diseases.