Biological profile of monocyte-derived macrophages in CAD patients: implications for plaque morphology

The prevalence of a macrophage phenotype in atherosclerotic plaque may drive its progression and/or instability. Macrophages from coronary plaques are not available, and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) are usually considered as a surrogate.

The Authors compared the monocyte-derived macrophages profile obtained from coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and healthy subjects, and we evaluated the association between CAD MDM profile and in vivo coronary plaque characteristics assessed by optical coherence tomography.

MDMs obtained from CAD patients are characterized by a morpho-phenotypic heterogeneity with a prevalence of round cells, showing pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic properties. The MDM profile allows identifying CAD patients at high risk.

Reference

1. Eligini S, Cosentino N, Fiorelli S, Fabbiocchi F, Niccoli G, Refaat H, Camera M, Calligaris G, De Martini S, Bonomi A, Veglia F, Fracassi F, Crea F, Marenzi G, Tremoli E. Biological profile of monocyte-derived macrophages in coronary heart disease patients: implications for plaque morphology. Sci Rep 2019 Jun 18;9(1):8680. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-44847-3. Go to PubMed