Triterpenic acids inhibit the expression of inflammation- and oxidative stress-related markers in human pro-inflammatory macrophages

Background and Aims: Monocyte-derived macrophages (Mac) play a key role in the inflammatory process. Endowed with a specific phenotype, the pro-inflammatory (M1-Mac) and anti-inflammatory (M2-Mac) Mac actively control metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative reactions in atherosclerosis. Naturally-occurring triterpenic acids (TA) have been identified as potential therapeutic tools in a number of human malignancies. We aimed to determine the potential of selective triterpenic acids to reduce the pro-inflammatory state of M1-Mac in vitro.