Neutrophils constitute the first line of defense in human immunity and can be attracted to inflamed and infected sites by various chemokines. As essential players in immune processes, neutrophils theoretically play integral roles in the course of chronic inflammation-induced atherosclerosis. However, because neutrophils are rarely found in atherosclerotic lesions, their involvement in the pathophysiological progression of atherosclerosis has been largely underestimated or ignored. Recent research has revealed convincing evidence showing the presence of neutrophils in atherosclerotic lesions and has revealed neutrophil contributions to different atherosclerosis stages in mice and humans. This review describes the underlying mechanisms of neutrophils in different stages of atherosclerosis and highlights potential neutrophil-targeted therapeutic strategies relevant to atherosclerosis. An in-depth understanding of neutrophils' roles in atherosclerosis pathology will promote exploration of new methods for the prevention and treatment of atherogenesis and atherothrombosis.

中文翻译：

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中性粒细胞在动脉粥样硬化不同阶段的作用。

中性粒细胞构成人体免疫的第一道防线，可以被各种趋化因子吸引到发炎和感染部位。作为免疫过程中的重要参与者，中性粒细胞理论上在慢性炎症引起的动脉粥样硬化过程中发挥着不可或缺的作用。然而，由于中性粒细胞很少在动脉粥样硬化病变中发现，因此它们在动脉粥样硬化病理生理进展中的参与在很大程度上被低估或忽视。最近的研究揭示了令人信服的证据，表明动脉粥样硬化病变中存在中性粒细胞，并揭示了中性粒细胞对小鼠和人类不同动脉粥样硬化阶段的贡献。本综述描述了中性粒细胞在动脉粥样硬化不同阶段的潜在机制，并强调了与动脉粥样硬化相关的潜在中性粒细胞靶向治疗策略。深入了解中性粒细胞在动脉粥样硬化病理学中的作用将促进探索预防和治疗动脉粥样硬化和动脉粥样硬化血栓形成的新方法。