Fat-1 expression alleviates atherosclerosis in transgenic rabbits

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Molecular Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a primary driver of cardiovascular diseases.
• The role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in atherosclerosis remains debated.
• The Fat-1 gene enhances the conversion of omega-6 PUFA to omega-3 PUFA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of increased omega-3 PUFA levels on atherosclerosis development in a rabbit model.
• To explore the underlying mechanisms by which omega-3 PUFA influences atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Main Methods:

• Atherosclerosis was induced in Fat-1 transgenic and wild-type (WT) rabbits using a high-cholesterol diet for 16 weeks.
• Analyses included plasma lipids, fatty acid composition in liver and muscle, and pathological examination of atherosclerotic lesions.
• Histological analysis focused on the quantification of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) within plaques.

Main Results:

• Fat-1 rabbits exhibited increased omega-3 PUFA and decreased omega-6 PUFA in liver and muscle tissues.
• Plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly elevated in Fat-1 rabbits.
• Atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic arch was significantly reduced in Fat-1 rabbits, with fewer SMCs.

Conclusions:

• Elevated omega-3 PUFA levels, facilitated by the Fat-1 gene, demonstrate a protective effect against atherosclerosis in rabbits.
• The observed benefits may be attributed to increased plasma HDL-C and a reduction in SMCs within atherosclerotic plaques.
• This study provides evidence supporting the atheroprotective potential of omega-3 PUFAs.