Macrophages

Macrophages
Chronic inflammation is currently linked to a variety of diseases. The disease processes include the central nervous system through Rheumatoid Arthritis. The macrophages of the brain (microglia) and the peripheral innate immune system become chronically activated and release inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines cause tissue damage and cell death. 

The best description of this process is given below and fully described in the paper by Dr. Debra Laskin at Rutgers University.
    
Macrophages function as control switches of the immune system, providing a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. To accomplish this, they develop into different subsets: classically (M1) or alternatively (M2) activated macrophages. 

M1 macrophages display a cytotoxic, proinflammatory phenotype, much like the soldiers of The Dark Side of The Force in the Star Wars movies. M2 macrophages, like Jedi fighters, suppress immune and inflammatory responses and participate in wound repair and angiogenesis. 

Critical to the actions of these divergent or polarized macrophage subpopulations is the regulated release of inflammatory mediators. When properly controlled, M1 macrophages effectively destroy invading pathogens, tumor cells and foreign materials. However, when M1 activation becomes excessive or uncontrolled, these cells can succumb to The Dark Side, releasing copious amounts of cytotoxic mediators that contribute to disease pathogenesis. 

The activity of M1 macrophages is countered by The Force of alternatively activated M2 macrophages, which release anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and mediators involved in extracellular matrix turnover and tissue repair. 

It is the balance in the production of mediators by these two macrophage subpopulations that ultimately determines the outcome of the tissue response to chemical toxicants.
Global Indoor Health Network - Macrophages become chronically activated and release inflammatory cytokines

Macrophages


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