Effects of glycolysis on the polarization and function of tumor-associated macrophages (Review)

Under conditions of oxygen sufficiency, tumor cells supply themselves with energy through glycolysis, which is one of the causes of their rapid proliferation, metastasis and acquisition of drug resistance. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are transformed from peripheral blood monocytes and are among the immune-related cells that constitute the tumor microenvironment (TME). Altered glycolysis levels in TAMs have an important impact on their polarization and function. The cytokines secreted by TAMs, and phagocytosis in different polarization states, affect tumorigenesis and development. Furthermore, changes in glycolysis activity of tumor cells and other immune-related cells in the TME also affect the polarization and function of TAMs. Studies on the relationship between glycolysis and TAMs have received increasing attention. The present study summarized the link between glycolysis of TAMs and their polarization and function, as well as the interaction between changes in glycolysis of tumor cells and other immune-associated cells in the TME and TAMs. The present review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of glycolysis on the polarization and function of TAMs.