Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque: emerging challenge for animal models

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Translational Medicine
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• The clinical approach to acute coronary syndromes has spurred the development of animal models focusing on atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability.
• Understanding plaque rupture, thrombosis, and hemorrhage is critical for advancing cardiovascular disease research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing animal models for studying plaque vulnerability in atherosclerosis.
• To discuss "vulnerability endpoints" used in conventional atherosclerosis models.
• To emphasize challenges in validating these animal models.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on spontaneous and induced plaque rupture models.
• Analysis of "vulnerability endpoints" including biomechanical properties, collagen turnover, inflammation, and lipid accumulation.
• Discussion of challenges in animal model validation.

Main Results:

• Various animal models exist for studying plaque rupture, thrombosis, and hemorrhage.
• Key vulnerability endpoints provide insights into plaque instability.
• Significant challenges remain in validating these models for clinical relevance.

Conclusions:

• Current animal models offer valuable tools for investigating plaque vulnerability.
• Further development of validated models and monitoring tools is essential.
• Advancements will facilitate the design of effective plaque-stabilizing therapies for acute coronary syndromes.