Contribution of Lung Macrophages to the Inflammatory Responses Induced by Exposure to Air Pollutants

Figure 6

The potential impact of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) on both the local (lung) and systemic inflammatory responses induced by exposure to PM. Statins enhance both the opsonized and unopsonized phagocytosis of PM by AMs, potentially promoting the switching of M1 to M2 macrophages (promoting resolution of inflammation), and reduce the production of proinflammatory mediators produced by macrophages when exposed to PM as well as reducing the translocation of these mediators into the systemic circulation. These effects attenuate the systemic inflammatory response induced by PM as well as the downstream adverse vascular effects (endothelial dysfunction and progression of atherosclerosis).