Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (10): 2484-2490.doi: 10.12307/2026.610

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Mechanisms by which macrophage polarization regulates bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis

Shalayiding · Aierxiding1, Gao Jian1, Alimujiang · Abudourousuli1, Kutiluke · Shoukeer1, Aikebaierjiang · Aisaiti1, Gulimire · Yilihamu2, #br# Jiang Kan1, Aikeremujiang · Muheremu1 #br#   

  1. 1The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China; 2The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
  • Received:2025-03-14 Accepted:2025-06-20 Online:2026-04-08 Published:2025-08-28
  • Contact: Aikeremujiang · Muheremu, MD, Chief physician, Associate professor, doctoral supervisor, Master’s supervisor, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
  • About author:Shalayiding · Aierxiding, MS candidate, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
  • Supported by:
    the Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No. 2022D01C583 (to GJ); “Tianshan Talents” Medical and Health Care Training Program for Young and Middle-aged Key Talents, No. TSYC202301B107 (to GJ); Key Project of Open Subjects of Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, No. 2023A03 (to JK); Young Doctoral Project of “Tianchi Talents” Introduction Program (to AM)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent synovitis and progressive joint destruction. Macrophages serve as pivotal effector cells, playing a central role in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis through their ability to polarize into distinct functional phenotypes.
OBJECTIVE: To review the role of macrophage polarization in bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis, the regulatory mechanisms involved, and the latest therapeutic advancements.
METHODS: Relevant literature published between 2005 and 2025 was retrieved using computer-based searches of the Web of Science Core Collection, WanFang Database, and CNKI. The search terms included “macrophages, rheumatoid arthritis, polarization, bone and joints, cartilage, autoimmunity, inflammation, M1 macrophage, M2 macrophage” in English and Chinese. Finally, 53 articles were included for review. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by persistent inflammatory bone destruction. Inadequate treatment can lead to joint deformities and even functional loss. The imbalance in macrophage polarization, specifically the M1/M2 ratio, is a critical factor in disease progression. This underscores the necessity of investigating the role of macrophage polarization in rheumatoid arthritis-induced inflammatory bone and joint destruction, as well as its regulatory mechanisms, as potential targets for novel therapeutic agents.

Key words: macrophages, rheumatoid arthritis, polarization, bone and joints, autoimmunity, inflammation, M1 macrophage, M2 macrophage

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