Characterization of Atherosclerosis Formation in a Murine Model of Type IIa Human Familial Hypercholesterolemia

A murine genetic model of LDL-cholesterol- (LDL-C-) driven atherosclerosis, based on complete deficiencies of both the LDL-receptor (Ldlr(−/−)) and key catalytic component of an apolipoprotein B-edisome complex (Apobec1(−/−)), which converts apoB-100 to apoB-48, has been extensively characterized. These gene deficiencies allow high levels of apoB-100 to be present and inefficiently cleared, thus leading to very high levels of LDL-C in mice on a normal diet. Many key features of atherosclerotic plaques observed in human familial hypercholesterolemia are found in these mice as they are allowed to age through 72 weeks. The general characteristics include the presence of high levels of LDL-C in plasma and macrophage-related fatty streak formation in the aortic tree, which progressively worsens with age. More specifically, plaque found in the aortic sinuses contains a lipid core with relatively high numbers of macrophages and a smooth muscle cell α-actin- and collagen-containing cap, which thins with age. These critical features of plaque progression suggest that the Ldlr(−/−)/Apobec1(−/−) mouse line presents a superior model of LDL-C-driven atherosclerosis.