The role of macrophage polarization in ulcerative colitis and its treatment.

Macrophages have great plasticity. Typically, there are two of activated macrophages: M1 macrophages and M2 macrophages. Of them, M1 macrophages play a major role in responses that are pro-inflammatory, while M2 macrophages play an important part in responses that are anti-inflammatory. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, non-specific inflammatory disease of the intestine. The pathophysiology and course of UC are significantly influenced by the inflammatory response triggered by macrophage activation. M1 is a possible cause of increased inflammation in UC whereas M2 has a significant function in the healing of inflammation. The polarization imbalance of intestinal M1/M2 macrophages is closely linked to UC. Thus, by suppressing M1 polarization, encouraging M2 polarization, and reestablishing macrophage polarization balance, the treatment of UC based on macrophage polarization is beneficial for UC. Not only chemical drugs, but also traditional Chinese medicine compounds and herbal extracts have been shown to restore the balance of macrophage polarization, providing a new idea in the treatment of UC.