Experimental atherosclerosis models in small animals (Review)

Atherosclerosis refers to the accumulation of plaque in arteries and is the underlying cause of various serious vascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke. These diseases pose a major threat to global health and are often fatal. Individuals predisposed to metabolic health conditions, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, hypertension or diabetes mellitus, often manifest atherosclerosis in the early stages. Because early-stage atherosclerosis is asymptomatic and typically progresses without obvious symptoms, its clinical detection remains challenging before the onset of notable vascular obstruction. The primary objective of the present review was to comprehensively address experimental atherosclerosis models that are commonly used in small animals, and to serve as a source of inspiration for the development of new pharmacological treatment protocols in the future. Numerous sources related to the importance of atherosclerosis, the disease process, pathophysiology, risk factors and experimental models developed in small animals were examined for the present review. Experimental atherosclerosis models are crucial for researchers to understand the disease process and to develop innovative treatments, and in vivo models reveal biochemical and molecular processes associated with the disease. Understanding the unique characteristics of each animal species is essential for selecting the appropriate experimental model, and creation of in vivo models requires careful consideration of animal selection, materials and model characteristics. Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiological processes of atherosclerosis and to develop novel pharmacological treatments for the diseases it causes.