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Updated: Apr 9, 2026
Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus
Published on: December 7, 2013
Animal models to evaluate anti-atherosclerotic drugs
1Department of Pharmacology, JIPMER, Puducherry 605006, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial condition characterized by endothelial injury, fatty streak deposition, and stiffening of the blood vessels. The pathogenesis is complex and mediated by adhesion molecules, inflammatory cells, and smooth muscle cells. Statins have been the major drugs in treating hypercholesterolemia for the past two decades despite little efficacy. There is an urgent need for new drugs that can replace statins or combined with statins. The preclinical studies evaluating atherosclerosis require an ideal animal model which resembles the disease condition, but there is no single animal model which mimics the disease. The animal models used are rabbits, rats, mice, hamsters, mini pigs, etc. Each animal model has its own advantages and disadvantages. The method of induction of atherosclerosis includes diet, chemical induction, mechanically induced injuries, and genetically manipulated animal models. This review mainly focuses on the various animal models, method of induction, the advantages, disadvantages, and the current perspectives with regard to preclinical studies on atherosclerosis.
Insights
Preclinical atherosclerosis research needs better animal models. This review details current models, induction methods, and their pros and cons for drug development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Translational Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis involves complex pathogenesis with endothelial injury and inflammation.
- Statins, widely used for hypercholesterolemia, show limited efficacy, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Effective preclinical evaluation of new atherosclerosis treatments requires suitable animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing animal models for atherosclerosis research.
- To analyze methods of atherosclerosis induction in animal models.
- To discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and current perspectives of these models for preclinical studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical atherosclerosis studies.
- Analysis of various animal models (rabbits, rats, mice, hamsters, mini pigs).
- Categorization of induction methods: diet, chemical, mechanical, and genetic.
Main Results:
- No single animal model perfectly replicates human atherosclerosis.
- Each model (rabbits, rats, mice, etc.) presents unique advantages and limitations.
- Diverse induction methods exist, each with specific outcomes and challenges.
Conclusions:
- Selecting an appropriate animal model is critical for successful atherosclerosis drug development.
- Understanding model-specific advantages and disadvantages is essential for interpreting preclinical data.
- Further refinement of animal models is needed to better predict clinical efficacy of atherosclerosis therapies.
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