Characterization of macrophage polarization into different functional phenotypes is valuable for further investigation of gout pathogenesis, as well as for a better disease management. In this study the authors found that altered macrophage polarization exists in various stages of gouty inflammation. Macrophages in acute gout were polarized into M1 at an early stage and into M2 at later stages while the macrophages in chronic gout were generally polarized towards M2. The number of M1 rose with the progression of inflammation. Early increase of M2 was observed, which might be generated directly from M0.
