Development and validation of a method to deliver vitamin A to macrophages.

Macrophages are critical players in the development of atherosclerotic lesions, where they promote local and systemic inflammation. Macrophages engulf lipoproteins and cell debris upon entry into the arterial wall, becoming lipid-laden foam cells. While most lipids found in foam cells are triglyceride and cholesterol, these cells accumulate several other lipids with bioactive properties, such as vitamin A and carotenoids.