Alternative Activation of Human Macrophages Is Rescued by Estrogen Treatment In Vitro and Impaired by Menopausal Status

Abstract

Estrogen treatment prevented LPS/IFN-γ action on human M2 macrophage markers and cytokine production, whereas menopausal estrogen loss was associated with an impaired response to alternative activation, suggesting that these mechanisms affect the cardiovascular risk profile in relation to menopausal status.