Work

Metabolic Reprogramming Intermediates of Glucose Regulate Macrophage Polarization: An Important Direction for Ameliorating Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR) is a key pathological basis for various lung diseases and is centered on macrophage-driven pathological vascular remodeling. Macrophage functional polarization is closely related to metabolic reprogramming, a process that not only encompasses energy supply but also dictates cellular function through metabolic intermediates. To bridge the knowledge gap between metabolic regulation and clinical translation in PVR, this review focuses on key metabolites produced during glucose metabolism: pyruvate, citrate, succinate, and itaconate. These intermediates are not merely metabolic byproducts; rather, they directly influence the pathological processes of vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and the extracellular matrix by modulating the polarization of macrophages. This review systematically elucidates the precise regulatory mechanisms of these metabolic signals, with the aim of providing new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for PVR. It emphasizes the immense potential of targeting metabolic intermediates for future precision medicine, ultimately promoting a paradigm shift in PVR therapy from traditional anti-proliferative interventions to an innovative model based on metabolic reprogramming.

Source: Journal of Inflammation Research

DOI: 10.2147/jir.s541649

Authors: Junqi Wang, Rong Yuan, Shengkang Zhang, Zhaojun Xu, Lan Song

Institutions: Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Treatments

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,836