Macrophage polarization and metabolic reprogramming in abdominal aortic aneurysm

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a macrovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality in the elderly. The limitation of the current management is that most patients can only be followed up until the AAA diameter increases to a threshold, and surgical intervention is recommended. The development of preventive and curative drugs for AAA is urgently needed. Macrophage-mediated immune inflammation is one of the key pathological links in the occurrence and development of AAA.

Aims

This review article aims to evaluate the impact of immunometabolism on macrophage biology and its role in AAA.

Methods

We analyze publications focusing on the polarization and metabolic reprogramming in macrophages as well as their potential impact on AAA, and summarize the potential interventions that are currently available to regulate these processes.

Results

The phenotypic and functional changes in macrophages are accompanied by significant alterations in metabolic pathways. The interaction between macrophage polarization and metabolic pathways significantly influences the progression of AAA.

Conclusion

Macrophage polarization is a manifestation of the gross dichotomy of macrophage function into pro-inflammatory killing and tissue repair, that is, classically activated M1 macrophages and alternatively activated M2 macrophages. Macrophage functions are closely linked to metabolic changes, and the emerging field of immunometabolism is providing unique insights into the role of macrophages in AAA. It is essential to further investigate the precise metabolic changes and their functional consequences in AAA-associated macrophages.