Extracellular acidification in atherosclerosis-prone regions of arterial walls is considered pro-atherosclerotic by exerting detrimental effect on macrophages, endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), a family of extracellular H+ (proton)-gated cation channels, are present extensively in the nervous system and other tissues, implying physiologic as well as pathophysiologic importance. Aberrant activation of ASICs is thought to be associated in EC dysfunction, macrophage phenotypic switch, and VSMC migration and proliferation. Although in vitro evidence acknowledges the contribution of ASIC activation in atherosclerosis, no direct evidence confirms their pro-atherosclerotic roles in vivo. In this review, the effect of extracellular acidity on three major contributors, ECs, macrophages, and VSMCs, is discussed focusing on the potential roles of ASICs in atherosclerotic development and underlying pathology. A more comprehensive understanding of ASICs in these processes may provide promising new therapeutic targets for treatment and prevention of atherosclerotic diseases.

中文翻译：

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酸敏感离子通道：将细胞外酸化与动脉粥样硬化联系起来。

通过对巨噬细胞，内皮细胞（ECs）和血管平滑肌细胞（VSMCs）产生有害作用，动脉壁的动脉粥样硬化易发区的细胞外酸化被认为是动脉粥样硬化的。酸敏感离子通道（ASICs）是细胞外H +（质子）门控阳离子通道的一个家族，广泛存在于神经系统和其他组织中，暗示着生理和病理生理上的重要性。ASIC的异常激活被认为与EC功能障碍，巨噬细胞表型转换以及VSMC迁移和增殖有关。尽管体外证据承认ASIC激活在动脉粥样硬化中的作用，但尚无直接证据证实其在体内的动脉粥样硬化作用。在这篇评论中，细胞外酸度对三个主要因素（EC，巨噬细胞，讨论了VSMC和VSMC，重点是ASIC在动脉粥样硬化发展和潜在病理学中的潜在作用。在这些过程中对ASIC的更全面的了解可能为治疗和预防动脉粥样硬化疾病提供有希望的新治疗靶标。