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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice
Published on: June 12, 2019
[Effect of simvastatin on atherosclerosis and central aortic pressure in ApoE gene knockout mice]
Ming Liu1, Yu-hong Jin1, Tiao-hong Li1
1Ningbo Medical Treatment Center Lihuili Hospital， Ningbo 315000， China.
Objective:
To investigate the effects of simvastatin on atherosclerosis and central aortic pressure in ApoE-knockout (ApoE-/-) mice.
Methods:
Ten 5-week-old male ApoE-/- mice and 5 C57 mice were fed with high-lipid diet for 3 weeks, and then C57 mice (WT group) and 5 ApoE-/- mice (ApoE-/- group) were given 1% carboxymethyl cellulose solution (8 ml·kg-1·d-1), and another 5 ApoE-/- mice (ApoE-/-/S group) were given simvastatin solution (50 mg·kg-1·d-1) by gavege for 3 weeks. The areas of atherosclerotic lesion in aortic root, central aortic pressure and serum lipid levels were examined.
Results:
No atherosclerotic plaques were observed in WT group. Compared with ApoE-/- group, simvastatin significantly decreased atherosclerotic lesion area in aortic root (89 818.05±16 980.93 μm2 vs 34 937.01±13 280.65 μm2, P<0.05). The systolic pressure (SP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP) and diastolic pressure (DP) of central aortic pressure were significantly increased in ApoE-/- group compared with those in WT group (P<0.05). Compared to ApoE-/- group, the SP, MAP and PP of central aortic pressure were significantly reduced in ApoE-/-/S group (P<0.05). SP and MAP of central aortic pressure were positively correlated with atherosclerotic lesion area (SP: r=0.7152, P=0.0461; PP: r=0.7594， P=0.0288). Compared with WT group, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were markedly increased in ApoE-/- group (P<0.05). Serum high-density lipoprotein level was decreased in ApoE-/- group compared with WT group. No differences in serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein levels were found between ApoE-/- group and ApoE-/-/S group.
Conclusion:
Simvastatin can attenuate atherosclerosis of aorta in ApoE-/- mice, which is associated with the reduced central aortic systolic pressure but not with the serum lipids levels.
Insights
Simvastatin reduced aortic atherosclerosis in ApoE-knockout mice by lowering central aortic systolic pressure, independent of changes in serum lipid levels. This highlights a potential therapeutic benefit for cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pharmacology
- Atherosclerosis Studies
Context:
- Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular disease.
- Apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE-/-) mice are a standard model for studying atherosclerosis.
- Central aortic pressure is a key indicator of cardiovascular health.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the impact of simvastatin on atherosclerosis and central aortic pressure in ApoE-/- mice.
- To determine the relationship between simvastatin treatment, atherosclerotic lesion development, and hemodynamic parameters.
Summary:
- Simvastatin treatment significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic root of ApoE-/- mice compared to controls.
- Simvastatin administration led to a significant decrease in central aortic systolic pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure.
- While ApoE-/- mice showed elevated serum lipids, simvastatin treatment did not alter these levels, suggesting a lipid-independent mechanism for its beneficial effects.
Impact:
- Simvastatin demonstrates efficacy in attenuating atherosclerosis in a mouse model.
- The findings suggest that simvastatin's protective effects on atherosclerosis may be mediated through mechanisms beyond lipid reduction, potentially involving blood pressure regulation.
- This study provides insights into the pleiotropic effects of statins in cardiovascular disease management.
