Human classical monocytes display unbalanced M1/M2 phenotype with increased atherosclerotic risk and presence of disease.

Background: Specific monocyte and macrophage subsets have been implicated in atherosclerosis, with intermediate monocytes proportionally elevated in cardiovascular disease and M1 macrophages abundant in unstable atherosclerotic plaques. While several studies have shown altered proportions of these subsets in atherosclerosis, studies examining functional and phenotypic subset alterations remain scarce.

Methods: We used whole blood flow cytometry to investigate the expression of M1 (CD86) and M2 (CD163) markers on monocyte subsets of atherosclerotic patients and controls.