Microarray and proteome array in an atherosclerosis mouse model for identification of biomarkers in whole blood

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Cardiovascular science
• Molecular diagnostics

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart attack and stroke, accounts for 80% of mortality.
• Atherosclerosis, characterized by atheroma buildup, significantly elevates CVD risk.
• Current diagnostic markers for cardiac risk are insufficient for specific atherosclerosis detection, especially using whole blood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel biomarkers for atherosclerosis diagnosis in whole blood.
• To screen potential genes and proteins indicative of atherosclerosis.
• To establish reliable diagnostic tools for early atherosclerosis detection and prevention.

Main Methods:

• Screening of potential biomarker genes and proteins using microarray and proteome array on whole blood from apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE) mice on a Western diet.
• Comparison of gene and protein expression profiles between ApoE knockout mice and control ApoE mice.
• Validation of candidate biomarkers using quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA.

Main Results:

• Identification of potential atherosclerosis biomarkers from whole blood samples.
• Specific candidate genes and proteins identified include Lilrb4a, n-R5s136, and IL-5.
• The study demonstrates the feasibility of using whole blood for atherosclerosis biomarker discovery.

Conclusions:

• Lilrb4a, n-R5s136, and IL-5 are proposed as potential novel biomarkers for atherosclerosis.
• Development of these biomarkers could enable early diagnosis of atherosclerosis using whole blood.
• This research contributes to advancing clinical diagnostics for atherosclerosis and preventing severe cardiovascular events.