Inhibition of lysosomal function in macrophages incubated with elevated glucose concentrations: A potential contributory factor in diabetes-associated atherosclerosis

► Elevated levels of glucose are associated with accelerated atherosclerosis. ► Macrophages are the major sites of lipoprotein metabolism and lipid accumulation. ► Maturation of macrophages in high glucose modulates lysosomal number and function. ► Both proteolytic (cathepsin) and lysosomal acid lipase activities are diminished. ► This decrease in function may exacerbate lipid accumulation in people with diabetes.