Abstract
Macrophages play a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis. After recruitment in the sub-endothelial space, monocytes differentiate into macrophages, accumulate lipids thus forming foam cells and secrete pro-inflammatory and matrix-degrading factors, thus playing a role in plaque development, inflammation and instability. Therefore, pharmacological modulation of macrophage functions represents an attractive strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis. In this review, recent advances on the role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and liver X receptor (LXR) transcription factors in the modulation of macrophage lipid homeostasis will be discussed.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Atherosclerosis / drug therapy
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Atherosclerosis / genetics
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Atherosclerosis / metabolism*
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Cholesterol / metabolism*
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Foam Cells / metabolism
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Homeostasis
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Humans
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Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
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Ligands
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Lipid Metabolism / genetics
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Liver X Receptors
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Macrophages / drug effects
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Macrophages / metabolism*
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Organelles / metabolism*
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Orphan Nuclear Receptors
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Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors / metabolism
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism
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Transcription Factors / drug effects
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Transcription Factors / metabolism*
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Hypolipidemic Agents
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Ligands
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Liver X Receptors
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Orphan Nuclear Receptors
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Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
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Transcription Factors
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Cholesterol