Protein and MtorC1 Signaling in Macrophares

High protein intake increases leucine levels which are linked to increased MtorC1 signaling in macrophages. However, studies did not show a direct link between high protein intake and increased coronary artery calcium or atherosclerosis in humans. Although protein does stimulate MtorC, indicating no surprising findings, the animal model implied that animal protein might increase atherosclerosis, a finding not supported by the human study. The data instead suggests that animal protein supplementation increases Mtor in immune cells, but this does not confirm that these cells specifically initiate atherosclerosis, as immune cells typically react to oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood vessel lining.