Monocyte and Macrophage Dynamics in the Cardiovascular System

Abstract

It has long been recognized that the bone marrow is the primary site of origin for circulating monocytes that may later become macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions. However, only in recent times has the complex relationship between the bone marrow, monocytes/macrophages and atherosclerotic plaques begun to be understood. Moreover, the systemic nature of these interactions, which also involves additional compartments such as extra-medullary hematopoietic sites (i.e., spleen), are only just becoming apparent. In parallel, progressive advances in imaging and cell labeling techniques have opened new opportunities for in vivo imaging of monocyte/macrophage trafficking in atherosclerotic lesions and at the systemic level. In this part 3 of a 4-part review series covering the macrophage in cardiovascular disease we intersect systemic biology with advanced imaging techniques to explore monocyte and macrophage dynamics in the cardiovascular system, with an emphasis on how events at the systemic level might impact local atherosclerotic plaque biology.

Macrophage maturation from blood monocytes is altered in people with HIV, and is linked to serum lipid profiles and activation indices: A model for studying atherogenic mechanisms

“…We also observed multiple innate immune signaling and lipid sensing pathway alterations between groups, including IL-10, wnt, glucocorticoid receptor signaling, and LXR/RXR signaling. These gene expression profiles are suggestive of a pro-inflammatory, pro-atherosclerotic phenotype of MDMs in PWH [16]. Monocyte subset proportions are altered in PWH and have differential expression of activation and adhesion molecules [13,[25][26][27].…”

“…Macrophages are heterogenous cells that continually adapt their phenotype and function to progressive changes in microenvironment [14][15][16][17]. We differentiated MDMs in culture medium…”

“…CD16+ monocytes are enriched in PWH and in individuals without HIV who have recently had an acute coronary event [13]. Monocytes migrate into the subendothelial space and differentiate into macrophages [14][15][16][17][18][19]; these cells produce several molecules that contribute to atherosclerosis, including inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Macrophages can also become lipid laden foam cells due to dysregulated lipid uptake, metabolism, and efflux.…”

Twenty Novel Disease Group-Specific and 12 New Shared Macrophage Pathways in Eight Groups of 34 Diseases Including 24 Inflammatory Organ Diseases and 10 Types of Tumors

“…Also, monocyte and Mφ differentiation during various metabolic cardiovascular diseases has been characterized (5). In recent years, a complicated relationship between the bone marrow, monocytes/Mφ, and the development of atherosclerotic plaques has begun to be revealed (6). The roles of Mφ in modulating foam cell formation (7) and inflammation resolution (8) have also been reported.…”

Circadian influence on the microbiome improves heart failure outcomes

“…Indeed, in the context of MI or HF, many recent studies suggest a complex interplay of pro-inflammatory and reparative macrophages (e.g. reviews, [94][95][96][97][98][99][100]), and deleterious CD4 positive (e.g. reviews [101][102][103]) and beneficial CD4 positive (e.g.…”