Figures (0)  Tables (2)
    • Classification criteria Animal model name Characteristics of animal models
      Classification based on animal species Mouse model The most commonly used animal models in atherosclerotic research.
      A variety of missing genes or transgenic mice created by genetic engineering technology.
      Different physiological characteristics in atherosclerotic studies, such as LDLR−/− mice.
      Rat model The commonly used animal models in atherosclerotic research.
      The unique advantages for surgery and observation.
      Pig model The structure of porcine coronary artery is similar to that of human, which is of great significance in atherosclerotic research.
      Pig models can better simulate human physiological and pathological characteristics, especially in drug testing and interventional therapy.
      Other large animal models The other large animals also used for atherosclerotic research, such as monkeys.
      These animal models pose ethical and cost challenges.
      Classification based on the induction model method Genetic engineering model These models induce atherosclerosis through gene manipulation, such as gene knockout or transgene.
      LDLR−/− and ApoE−/− models are constructed by genetic engineering, which can simulate the pathogenesis of human atherosclerosis.
      Dietary induction model Atherosclerosis can be induced by changing the diet of animals, especially the diet with high fat and cholesterol.
      This model is relatively simple and does not require complex genetic manipulation.
      Chemical induction model Atherosclerosis can be induced by injecting chemicals, such as vitamin D3, carbon tetrachloride, etc.
      These chemicals can cause endothelial damage and inflammatory reaction, thus promoting the formation of atherosclerosis.
      Mechanical damage model The atherosclerotic progression can be observed by applying mechanical damage to the blood vessels, such as the damage to the intima of the arteries.
      This model can be used to study the repair of vascular intima and the follow-up progress of atherosclerosis.
      Classification based on the severity of the model Mild atherosclerosis model These models generally exhibit early lesions and are commonly used to study the early mechanisms and prevention strategies of diseases.
      The characteristics of mild lesions are less lipid deposition and less obvious endometrial hyperplasia.
      Moderate atherosclerosis model
      		 In these models, lipid deposition is evident within the arteries, accompanied by a certain degree of intimal hyperplasia.
      The moderate model is suitable for studying the progression of diseases and the effectiveness of related treatment methods.
      Severe atherosclerosis model
      		 Severe models with obvious plaque formation and vascular lumen stenosis are usually used to study the complications and clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis.
      This type of model is very important for drug development and efficacy evaluation.
      Classification based on clinical relevance Human disease model These models are designed to simulate the characteristics of human atherosclerosis, including plaque formation, rupture and the resulting clinical consequences.
      Through these models, researchers can better understand the mechanisms of human diseases.
      Non-human disease models
      		 These models may not fully reflect the pathological characteristics of humans, but they provide useful information in certain aspects such as physiological responses, drug metabolism, etc.
      This type of model is equally important in basic research and drug development.

      Table 1. 

      Classification of atherosclerosis animal models.

    • Animal model Advantages and limitations of atherosclerosis animal models
      Mouse model Advantages Convenience of genetic engineering: specific gene deletion/mutation mice can be created by gene editing to study the role of these genes in atherosclerosis.
      Fast reproductive speed: mice have a short reproductive cycle and can quickly obtain experimental samples for long-term and large-scale research.
      Relatively low cost: compared with other large animals, the feeding and management costs of mice are lower, making large-scale experiments more feasible.
      Limitations Physiological differences with humans: although mice can be manipulated at the genetic level, their physiological structure and metabolic processes differ significantly from humans.
      Apparent characteristics of atherosclerosis: the symptoms of atherosclerosis may not be as obvious in some mouse models as that of human beings, especially in the intervention of high-fat diet.
      Rat model Advantages Larger body size: rats have a larger body size compared to mice, making them easier for surgery and organ sampling.
      More complex physiological characteristics: rats are closer to humans in terms of physiology and biochemistry, and can better simulate human pathological states.
      Limitations Long reproductive cycle: the reproductive cycle of rats is relatively long, and the speed of obtaining experimental samples is slower.
      Higher cost: the feeding cost of rats is higher compared to mice, which may limit the conduct of large-scale experiments.
      Rabbit model Advantages Spontaneous occurrence of atherosclerosis: rabbits are prone to spontaneously develop atherosclerosis under a high-fat diet, which is a good model for observing natural pathological process.
      Similarity of cardiovascular system: the cardiovascular system of rabbits is similar to that of humans, providing more relevant physiological data.
      Limitations High feeding costs: the cost of raising and managing rabbits is high, which limits the expansion of experimental scale.
      Ethical issues of research: as rabbits are larger mammals, the ethical issues involved may be more complex.
      Pig model Advantages Anatomical similarity with humans: the cardiovascular anatomical structure of pigs is relatively similar to that of humans and is an important model for studying cardiovascular diseases.
      Spontaneous atherosclerosis: pigs can spontaneously develop atherosclerosis under appropriate diet conditions, providing an opportunity to observe the progress of disease.
      Limitations The extremely high cost of raising and managing pigs: the cost of raising and managing pigs is very high due to their large size, which limits their application in certain research.
      The longer reproductive cycle: pigs have a longer reproductive cycle, and the speed of obtaining experimental samples is slower than that of mice and rats.

      Table 2. 

      Comparison of advantages and limitations of atherosclerosis animal models.