Macrophage fatty acid oxidation in atherosclerosis

Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Jan:170:116092. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116092. Epub 2023 Dec 28.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis significantly contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and is characterized by lipid retention and inflammation within the artery wall. Multiple immune cell types are implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, macrophages play a central role as the primary source of inflammatory effectors in this pathogenic process. The metabolic influences of lipids on macrophage function and fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) have similarly drawn attention due to its relevance as an immunometabolic hub. This review discusses recent findings regarding the impact of mitochondrial-dependent FAO in the phenotype and function of macrophages, as well as transcriptional regulation of FAO within macrophages. Finally, the therapeutic strategy of macrophage FAO in atherosclerosis is highlighted.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Fatty acid oxidation; Macrophage; NLRP3 inflammasome; Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis* / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids* / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Macrophages / metabolism

Substances

  • Fatty Acids