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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice
Published on: June 12, 2019
[Anti-atherosclerotic effect of betaine in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice]
Rui-xin Fan1, Shi-wei Lü, Yan-ping DU
1Institute of Preventive Medicine, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
Objective:
To study the effect of betaine on the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-deficient mice and explore its anti-inflammatory mechanism.
Methods:
Seven-week-old ApoE-deficient mice (C57BL/6J background) were divided into four groups randomly based on body weight: model group and three betaine groups. Wild-type mice with the same age and genetic background were used as control group. The control group and model group were fed AIN-93G diet. Three betaine groups were fed AIN-93G diet supplemented with 1, 2, 4 g betaine/100 g diet, respectively. Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, lipid levels and methylation status of TNF-alpha promotor in aorta were determined at 0, 7 and 14 weeks. The percentage of aorta sinus plaque to lumen area was measured at 14-week.
Results:
The percentage of aorta sinus plaque to lumen area of 1% and 2% betaine groups were (11.43+/-2.65)% and (12.09+/-3.07)%, respectively, which were 41% and 33% smaller than that of the model group (t=3.117, 3.010, respectively, and P<0.01). Serum TNF-alpha level of three betaine groups were (56.33+/-3.86), (63.04+/-4.67) and (65.52+/-3.97) pg/ml, respectively, which were lower than that of the model group (79.40+/-4.68) pg/ml (t=9.270, 6.571 and 5.576, respectively, P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in the methylation status of TNF-alpha promotor among all five groups.
Conclusion:
Betaine could inhibit the development of atherosclerosis via anti-inflammation.
Insights
Betaine supplementation significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. This inhibition is linked to betaine's anti-inflammatory effects, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Nutritional Science
- Inflammation Biology
Context:
- Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, driven by chronic inflammation.
- Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-deficient mice are a standard model for studying atherosclerosis.
- Dietary compounds are being investigated for their potential to mitigate atherosclerotic plaque development.
Purpose:
- To investigate the efficacy of betaine in preventing atherosclerotic plaque formation.
- To elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms underlying betaine's effects on atherosclerosis.
- To assess the impact of betaine on key inflammatory markers and lipid profiles in a mouse model.
Summary:
- Betaine administration (1% and 2% diets) significantly reduced aortic sinus plaque area by 41% and 33% respectively in ApoE-deficient mice.
- Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were significantly decreased in all betaine-treated groups compared to the model group.
- No significant changes were observed in the methylation status of the TNF-alpha promoter, suggesting a non-epigenetic anti-inflammatory pathway.
Impact:
- Betaine demonstrates a protective effect against atherosclerosis development in a relevant animal model.
- The findings suggest betaine's anti-inflammatory properties are key to its atheroprotective action.
- Betaine represents a potential dietary intervention for managing cardiovascular disease risk.
