Abstract
The development, progression, or stabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque depends on the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory macrophages. The influx of the macrophages and the regulation of macrophage phenotype, inflammatory or anti-inflammatory, are controlled by the small GTPase RhoA and its downstream effectors. Therefore, macrophages and the components of the RhoA pathway are attractive targets for anti-atherosclerotic therapies, which would inhibit macrophage influx and inflammatory phenotype, maintain an anti-inflammatory environment, and promote tissue remodeling and repair. Here, we discuss the recent findings on the role of macrophages and RhoA pathway in the atherosclerotic plaque formation and resolution and the novel therapeutic approaches.
Highlights
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by the accumulation of lipids in the wall of the artery
We describe why and how the lipids accumulate in the arterial wall, what are the roles of macrophages in lipid accumulation and the development and progression of atherosclerosis, and how the RhoA pathway regulates some of these processes
Studies show that the foam cells, both the smooth muscle cells (SMCs)- and macrophageorigin, play a crucial role in plaque vulnerability to rupture
Summary
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by the accumulation of lipids in the wall of the artery. Tunica media (or media) is the middle layer It contains the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) surrounded by the extracellular matrix and located on top of the external elastic lamina; and 3. Stage I and II are called early lesions These lesions are relatively small and local, and in addition to the lipids, they contain lipid-laden cells, called the foam cells, they do not affect the extracellular matrix and do not or minimally change the intima, media, or adventitia architecture. Such early lesions often occur in young people, and they either remain stable, regress, or progress to more advanced lesions. We describe why and how the lipids accumulate in the arterial wall, what are the roles of macrophages in lipid accumulation and the development and progression of atherosclerosis, and how the RhoA pathway regulates some of these processes
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