Macrophages in the Context of Muscle Regeneration and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 25; no. 19; p. 10393
• Main Authors: Hernandez-Torres, Francisco, Matias-Valiente, Lidia, Alzas-Gomez, Virginia, Aranega, Amelia Eva
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.10.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Animals; Antigens; Bone marrow; Cell Differentiation; Dendritic cells; Development and progression; Duchenne muscular dystrophy; Genotype & phenotype; Health aspects; Homeostasis; Humans; Inflammation; Macrophages; Macrophages - metabolism; Mediation; Muscle, Skeletal - metabolism; Muscle, Skeletal - pathology; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; Muscles; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne - pathology; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne - physiopathology; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne - therapy; Musculoskeletal system; Pathogens; Physiological aspects; Regeneration; Review; skeletal muscle; Stem cells; Spain; macrophages; skeletal muscle; inflammation; Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms251910393

Macrophages are essential to muscle regeneration, as they regulate inflammation, carry out phagocytosis, and facilitate tissue repair. These cells exhibit phenotypic switching from pro-inflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) states during muscle repair, influencing myoblast proliferation, differentiation, and myofiber formation. In Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), asynchronous muscle injuries disrupt the normal temporal stages of regeneration, leading to fibrosis and failed regeneration. Altered macrophage activity is associated with DMD progression and physiopathology. Gaining insight into the intricate relationship between macrophages and muscle cells is crucial for creating effective therapies aimed at treating this muscle disorder. This review explores the dynamic functions of macrophages in muscle regeneration and their implications in DMD.