Mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming induce macrophage pro-inflammatory phenotype switch and atherosclerosis progression in aging.

Introduction: Aging increases the risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease and its complications. Macrophages are pivotal in the pathogenesis of vascular aging, driving inflammation and atherosclerosis progression. NOX4 (NADPH oxidase 4) expression increases with age, correlating with mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and atherosclerosis.