Tirzepatide Slows Atherosclerosis and Restores Macrophage Balance

Atherosclerosis is a progressive, chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of lipid plaques within arterial walls, representing a primary cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. A critical driver of this pathology is the uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) by macrophages, which triggers their activation and subsequent dysregulation, shifting them towards a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and away from a protective M2 state. This imbalance exacerbates inflammation and plaque instability. While Tirzepatide is known for its metabolic benefits, the direct impact of this dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist on macrophage function and its potential to mitigate atherosclerosis progression by restoring M1/M2 homeostasis has remained largely unexplored.