scholarly journals Alirocumab, evinacumab, and atorvastatin triple therapy regresses plaque lesions and improves lesion composition in mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne G. Pouwer ◽  
Elsbet J. Pieterman ◽  
Nicole Worms ◽  
Nanda Keijzer ◽  
J. Wouter Jukema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Triple Therapy ◽  
Atherosclerotic Lesion ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Atherosclerosis Progression ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Baseline Group ◽  
Current Therapies ◽  
Triple Treatment ◽  
Lesion Severity

Atherosclerosis-related CVD causes nearly 20 million deaths annually. Most patients are treated after plaques develop, so therapies must regress existing lesions. Current therapies reduce plaque volume, but targeting all apoB-containing lipoproteins with intensive combinations that include alirocumab or evinacumab, monoclonal antibodies against cholesterol-regulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 and angiopoietin-like protein 3, may provide more benefit. We investigated the effect of such lipid-lowering interventions on atherosclerosis in APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice, a well-established model for hyperlipidemia. Mice were fed a Western-type diet for 13 weeks and thereafter matched into a baseline group (euthanized at 13 weeks) and five groups that received diet alone (control) or with treatment [atorvastatin; atorvastatin and alirocumab; atorvastatin and evinacumab; or atorvastatin, alirocumab, and evinacumab (triple therapy)] for 25 weeks. We measured effects on cholesterol levels, plaque composition and morphology, monocyte adherence, and macrophage proliferation. All interventions reduced plasma total cholesterol (37% with atorvastatin to 80% with triple treatment; all P < 0.001). Triple treatment decreased non-HDL-C to 1.0 mmol/l (91% difference from control; P < 0.001). Atorvastatin reduced atherosclerosis progression by 28% versus control (P < 0.001); double treatment completely blocked progression and diminished lesion severity. Triple treatment regressed lesion size versus baseline in the thoracic aorta by 50% and the aortic root by 36% (both P < 0.05 vs. baseline), decreased macrophage accumulation through reduced proliferation, and abated lesion severity. Thus, high-intensive cholesterol-lowering triple treatment targeting all apoB-containing lipoproteins regresses atherosclerotic lesion area and improves lesion composition in mice, making it a promising potential approach for treating atherosclerosis.

scholarly journals A Phenotype-Sensitizing Apoe-Deficient Genetic Background Reveals Novel Atherosclerosis Predisposition Loci in the Mouse

Genetics ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 160 (4) ◽  
pp. 1599-1608
Author(s):  
Hayes M Dansky ◽  
Pei Shu ◽  
M Donavan ◽  
Jill Montagno ◽  
Deborah L Nagle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atherosclerotic Lesion ◽  
Inbred Strains ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Susceptibility Loci ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Significant Locus ◽  
Trait Locus ◽  
Deficient Mice ◽  
Atherosclerotic Lesion Formation ◽  
Do So

Abstract Therapeutic intervention for atherosclerosis has predominantly concentrated on regulating cholesterol levels; however, these therapeutics are not efficacious for all patients, suggesting that other factors are involved. This study was initiated to identify mechanisms that regulate atherosclerosis predisposition in mice other than cholesterol level regulation. To do so we performed quantitative trait locus analysis using two inbred strains that each carry the atherosclerosis phenotype-sensitizing Apoe deficiency and that have been shown to have widely disparate predilection to atherosclerotic lesion formation. One highly significant locus on chromosome 10 (LOD = 7.8) accounted for 19% of the variance in lesion area independent of cholesterol. Two additional suggestive loci were identified on chromosomes 14 (LOD = 3.2) and 19 (LOD = 3.2), each accounting for 7–8% of the lesion variance. In all, five statistically significant and suggestive loci affecting lesion size but not lipoprotein levels were identified. Many of these were recapitulated in an independent confirmatory cross. In summary, two independently performed crosses between C57BL/6 and FVB/N Apoe-deficient mice have revealed several previously unreported atherosclerosis susceptibility loci that are distinct from loci linked to lipoprotein levels.

Abstract 156: Macrophage Low-Density Receptor--Related Protein 1 Deficiency Facilitates Atherosclerosis Regression in Hyperlipidemic Mice

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Zhu ◽  
Patricia G Yancey ◽  
Lei Ding ◽  
John L Blakemore ◽  
Youmin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Atherosclerotic Lesion ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Chow Diet ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Lesion Area ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Inflammatory Macrophages

Atherosclerosis regression is characterized by egress of macrophages out of the artery wall. We have previously shown that macrophages lacking low-density receptor related protein 1 (MFLRP1-/-) are pro-inflammatory and lead to increased lesion formation in apoE-/- mice. To study the role of macrophage inflammation during atherosclerosis regression, bone marrow from four different types of mice (wild-type, MFLRP1-/-, apoE-/- and apoE-/-/ MFLRP1-/-) was transplanted into apoE-/- recipient mice who had been fed a Western-type diet for 12 weeks. ApoE-/- recipient mice transplanted with apoE-/- bone marrow were sacrificed 2 weeks post-BMT for determination of baseline aortic atherosclerosis. After 8 weeks on chow diet, cholesterol levels were normalized in mice reconstituted with wild-type (WT) and MFLRP1-/- bone marrow (157± 36 mg/dl and 136 ± 33 mg/dl, respectively), and significantly lowered in mice with apoE-/- (302±33 mg/dl) or apoE-/-/ MFLRP1-/- (294±52 mg/dl) macrophages compared to baseline (387±34 mg/dl). Total atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic root decreased by 15% in mice receiving WT macrophages, and decreased by an additional 10% in mice transplanted with LRP1 deficient macrophages (p<0.05 compared to WT). Similarly, mice reconstituted with apoE-/-/ MFLRP1-/- bone marrow had 15% (p < 0.01) smaller lesion size than mice receiving apoE-/- marrow. The lesion area positive for CD68 was significantly smaller in MFLRP1-/- mice compared to WT mice, and in apoE-/-/ MFLRP1-/- mice compared to apoE-/- mice. The ratio of necrotic to total lesion area was significantly lowered by WT and LRP1-/- macrophages, and was also reduced in recipients of apoE-/-/MFLRP1-/- compared to apoE-/- bone marrow. Here we demonstrate that absence of LRP1 in macrophages, which is known to cause pro-inflammatory changes, promotes atherosclerosis regression. Our study supports the novel idea that pro-inflammatory macrophages efficiently egress from the plaque in a regressive environment caused by switching from a high-fat to a chow diet. This observation sets the stage for a change in paradigm on how to target inflammation for prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events.

scholarly journals Mycophenolate mofetil but not atorvastatin attenuates atherosclerosis in lupus-prone LDLr−/− mice

2011 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 408-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sander I van Leuven ◽  
Yanice V Mendez-Fernandez ◽  
Ashley J Wilhelm ◽  
Nekeithia S Wade ◽  
Curtis L Gabriel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Mycophenolate Mofetil ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Atherosclerotic Lesion ◽  
Interleukin 10 ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Atherosclerotic Burden ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Dsdna Antibody

RationaleRecent clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, unlike in the general population, little is known regarding the efficacy of atheroprotective interventions in patients with SLE. The current study aims to determine the benefit of lymphocyte inhibition on reducing the atherosclerotic burden in SLE-susceptible LDLr-deficient mice.MethodsFemale LDLr−/− mice were lethally irradiated and reconstituted with bone marrow from C57Bl/6 mice (LDLr.B6) or the SLE-susceptible B6.Sle1.2.3 mice (LDLr.Sle). At 16 weeks post transplant, mice were treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; 40 mg/kg), or both (MMF-A) for 8 weeks, after which the extent of atherosclerosis and the presence of SLE were assessed.ResultsFollowing 8 weeks of treatment, we observed that atorvastatin-mediated reduction in cholesterol levels attenuated atherogenesis in LDLr.B6 mice but failed to significantly reduce atherosclerotic lesion size in LDLr.Sle mice, in spite of a significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels. Treatment with MMF and MMF-A attenuated atherogenesis in LDLr.B6 and LDLr.Sle mice. In addition, MMF-containing regimens inhibited recruitment of CD4+ T cells to atherosclerotic lesions in LDLr.Sle mice. In these mice, MMF also reduced the proportion of activated splenic T cells, as well as interleukin 10 secretion by T cells. With regard to lupus activity, MMF had no overt effect on anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody titres or kidney function and pathology.ConclusionsThe current study demonstrates that reduction of cholesterol levels alone is not atheroprotective in lupus-mediated atherogenesis. This is the first study to demonstrate that MMF reduces the atherosclerotic burden in a model of lupus-accelerated atherosclerosis. Our results suggest that MMF treatment may prove beneficial in preventing CVD in patients with SLE.

P6194Therapeutic effect of nanoliposomal anti-PCSK9 vaccine on hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in C57BL/6 mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A A Momtazi-Borojeni ◽  
M R Jaafari ◽  
M Banach ◽  
A Sahebkar
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Ldl Receptor ◽  
Atherosclerotic Lesion ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Ifn Γ

Abstract Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) promotes hypercholesterolemia through reducing protein level of liver low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR). Currently, PCSK9 inhibition is known as an efficient lipid-lowering approach. Purpose Here, we constructed a liposomal anti-PCSK9 vaccine, and evaluated its therapeutic effects on dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis in atherosclerotic mice. Methods Liposomal anti-PCSK9 vaccine was prepared viaattaching immunogenic peptide, termed Immunogenic Fused PCSK9-Tetanus (IFPT), on the surface of nanoliposome carriers by using DSPE-PEG-Maleimide lipid (L-IFPT). The L-IFPT formulation was adsorbed to Alum adjuvant (L-IFPTA+) and administrated subcutaneously four times with a bi-weekly interval in hypercholesterolemic C57BL/6 mice. Plasma levels of anti-PCSK9 antibody, plasma concentration of PCSK9 protein, effect of anti-PCSK9 antibody on PCSK9-LDLR interaction, protein levels of liver LDLR, lipid profile, as well as atherosclerotic lesion size and severity were measured in the vaccinated hypercholesterolemic mice. To determine immune safety, Inflammatory response was measured by evaluating IFN-γ and IL-10 producing splenic cells using ELISpot assay. Results L-IFPTA+vaccine promoted the high IgG antibody response against PCSK9 peptide in the hypercholesterolemic mice. L-IFPTA+-induced antibodies targeted plasma PCSK9 and thereby decreased plasma consecration of PCSK9, which was associated with the reduced PCSK9-LDLR interaction and the increased liver levels of LDLR protein. Inhibitory effect of L-IFPTA+vaccine was accompanied with a significant reduction of plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and VLDL-C. Interestingly, L-IFPTA+vaccine could considerably reduce atherosclerotic lesion size and intima to media thicknessin hypercholesterolemic mice. Long-term evaluation of hypercholesterolemic vaccinated mice showed that L-IFPTA+vaccine was able to promote a long-lasting anti-PCSK9 antibody titration, which was paralleled by a significant reduction of LDL-C over 16 weeks post prime immunization (Figure). Splenocytes isolated from vaccinated mice indicated the reduced IFN-γ producing cells and the elevated IL-10 producing cells, suggesting immune safety of liposomal anti-PCSK9 vaccine. Figure 1 Conclusions L-IFPTA+vaccine induced efficient anti-PCSK9 antibodies which could exert long-term therapeutic effect on hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in mice, revealing a feasible vaccine-based approach for managing hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease.

scholarly journals Reduced Atherosclerotic Lesion Size inP-Selectin Deficient ApolipoproteinE-Knockout Mice Fed a Chow but Not a Fat Diet

2006 ◽  
Vol 2006 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Claude Bourdillon ◽  
Jacques Randon ◽  
Lydie Barek ◽  
Kazem Zibara ◽  
Chantal Covacho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atherosclerotic Lesion ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Chow Diet ◽  
Double Knockout ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Atherosclerotic Lesions ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Human Arteries ◽  
Lower Ratio

Endothelial cells lining atherosclerotic, but not healthy sites, on human arteries expressP-selectin. We investigated the role ofP-selectin on the development of vascular lesions in an ApoE−/−male mice. Double-knockout (ApoE−/−,P-selectin-/-; DKO) were compared to single-knockout (ApoE−/−; SKO) mice. They were fed a chow or fat diet for 3, 6, 15, and 20 weeks, without any differences in cholesterol levels. DKO mice fed a chow diet exhibited a ratio of lesion area over media lower than SKO mice, for 3 (P<.03) , 6 (P<.001), and 15 (P<.02) weeks. DKO mice fed a fat diet showed a lower ratio only at 3 weeks.P-selectin deficiency in ApoE−/−mice has a protective effect in atherosclerotic lesions development. Reduction of lesion size depends on diet type and duration. A fat diet could neutralize the beneficial effects ofP-selectin deficiency, inducing atherosclerotic lesions via probably other adhesion molecules.

scholarly journals Empagliflozin protects against atherosclerosis progression by modulating lipid profiles and sympathetic activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yihai Liu ◽  
Jiamin Xu ◽  
Mingyue Wu ◽  
Biao Xu ◽  
Lina Kang
Keyword(s):  
Neuropeptide Y ◽  
Sympathetic Activity ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Atherosclerotic Lesion ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Lipid Profiles ◽  
Mouse Serum ◽  
Atherosclerosis Progression ◽  
Early Atherosclerotic Lesion

Abstract Background Several large clinical trials have confirmed the cardioprotective role of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, whether empagliflozin, as an SGLT2i, could alleviate atherosclerosis progression in non-diabetic states remain unknown. Methods ApoE-/- mice were fed a Western diet for 12 weeks to induce atherosclerosis. On the 7th week, a group of mice were treated with drinking water containing empagliflozin (10 mg/kg/day), while another group was given normal water. At the 12th week, the whole aortas of each group were harvested. Oil Red O, HE and Movat staining were performed for atherosclerotic lesion area and size. Mouse serum lipid profiles (total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], low-density lipoprotein-c [LDL], and high-density lipoprotein-c [HDL]), systemic inflammation levels (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10), renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) components and sympathetic activity (norepinephrine and neuropeptide Y) indicators were measured by ELISA. Results Empagliflozin reduced the atherosclerotic lesion burden (-8.6 %, P = 0.004) at aortic root in ApoE-/- mice. In addition, empagliflozin decreased body weight (-3.27 g, P = 0.002), lipid profiles (TC: [-15.3 mmol/L, P = 0.011]; TG: [-2.4 mmol/L, P < 0.001]; LDL: [-2.9 mmol/L, P = 0.010]), RAAS (renin [-9.3 ng/L, P = 0.047]; aldosterone [-16.7 ng/L, P < 0.001]) and sympathetic activity (norepinephrine [-8.9 ng/L, P = 0.019]; neuropeptide Y [-8.8 ng/L, P = 0.002]). However, the anti-inflammatory effect of empagliflozin was not significantly evident. Conclusions The early atherosclerotic lesion size was less visible in empagliflozin-treated mice. Empagliflozin could decrease lipid profiles and sympathetic activity in atherosclerosis.

scholarly journals The APOE∗3-Leiden Heterozygous Glucokinase Knockout Mouse as Novel Translational Disease Model for Type 2 Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, and Diabetic Atherosclerosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne G. Pouwer ◽  
Suvi E. Heinonen ◽  
Margareta Behrendt ◽  
Anne-Christine Andréasson ◽  
Arianne van Koppen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Microvascular Complications ◽  
Disease Model ◽  
Atherosclerotic Lesion ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Plasma Parameters ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Preclinical Animal Models

Background. There is a lack of predictive preclinical animal models combining atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes. APOE∗3-Leiden (E3L) mice are a well-established model for diet-induced hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, and glucokinase+/− (GK+/−) mice are a translatable disease model for glucose control in type 2 diabetes. The respective mice respond similarly to lipid-lowering and antidiabetic drugs as humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate/characterize the APOE∗3-Leiden.glucokinase+/− (E3L.GK+/−) mouse as a novel disease model to study the metabolic syndrome and diabetic complications. Methods. Female E3L.GK+/−, E3L, and GK+/− mice were fed fat- and cholesterol-containing diets for 37 weeks, and plasma parameters were measured throughout. Development of diabetic macro- and microvascular complications was evaluated. Results. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly elevated in E3L and E3L.GK+/− mice compared to GK+/− mice, whereas fasting glucose was significantly increased in E3L.GK+/− and GK+/− mice compared to E3L. Atherosclerotic lesion size was increased 2.2-fold in E3L.GK+/− mice as compared to E3L (p=0.037), which was predicted by glucose exposure (R2=0.636, p=0.001). E3L and E3L.GK+/− mice developed NASH with severe inflammation and fibrosis which, however, was not altered by introduction of the defective GK phenotype, whereas mild kidney pathology with tubular vacuolization was present in all three phenotypes. Conclusions. We conclude that the E3L.GK+/− mouse is a promising novel diet-inducible disease model for investigation of the etiology and evaluation of drug treatment on diabetic atherosclerosis.

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