Innovative Atherosclerosis Models: Advancing Pathophysiology and Translational Research

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Pathology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis (AS) is a complex chronic inflammatory disease driven by metabolic, oxidative, and thrombotic factors.
• Accurate experimental models are crucial for elucidating AS pathogenesis and progression.
• Current models require evaluation for their utility in simulating human AS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze current experimental models for atherosclerosis research.
• To discuss the specific application scenarios of various AS models.
• To highlight the potential of advanced models for theranostic applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on atherosclerosis models.
• Analysis of tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) and vessels-on-a-chip (VoCs) for in vitro modeling.
• Discussion of animal models, including those induced by high-fat diets and gene editing.
• Examination of isolated animal vessel segments as research tools.

Main Results:

• TEBVs and VoCs offer in vitro models with high structural and functional resemblance to human AS.
• Isolated animal vessel segments provide physiologically similar, controllable, and reproducible platforms for AS investigation.
• Animal models, enhanced by diet and gene editing, effectively simulate AS by incorporating immune-inflammatory, mechanical, and hemodynamic factors.

Conclusions:

• Advanced in vitro and in vivo models significantly enhance the study of atherosclerosis.
• These models hold promise for revolutionizing theranostic applications in clinical translational research.
• Improved AS models pave the way for personalized and effective future treatments.