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Chronic stress accelerates atherosclerosis in the apolipoprotein E deficient mouse
Meena Kumari1, Cairistine Grahame-Clarke, Nola Shanks
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, International Centre for Health and Society, London, UK. m.kumari@ucl.ac.uk
Stress (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|December 9, 2003
Summary
Chronic psychological stress significantly accelerates atherosclerosis development in mice. This suggests stress, beyond traditional factors like cholesterol, plays a key role in coronary heart disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Neuroendocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Traditional cardiovascular risk factors inadequately explain coronary heart disease variability.
- Additional mechanisms, potentially including psychological stress, are implicated in atherosclerosis development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic psychological stress on atherosclerosis progression.
- To examine stress-induced changes in atherosclerosis markers in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the apolipoprotein E knockout mouse model.
- Implemented a 12-week chronic mild stress protocol.
- Assessed atheroma development via staining and measured corticosterone levels.
Main Results:
- A threefold increase in atheroma staining was observed in stressed mice.
- Corticosterone concentrations showed a tenfold increase following chronic stress.
- Data indicate a strong correlation between chronic stress and atherosclerosis markers.
Conclusions:
- Chronic psychological stress can induce or accelerate atherosclerosis.
- Stress-related hormonal changes (e.g., corticosterone) may mediate this effect.
- Findings highlight the importance of stress management in cardiovascular health.