Creative Biolabs is one of the leading companies providing a broad spectrum of first-class preclinical services. Our atherosclerosis platform offers widely used rodent models of atherosclerosis for the research and development of potential therapeutics for the disease and its complications.
Introduction of Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that is the underlying factor of cardiovascular diseases. Both blood vessel walls and the immune system are implicated in atherogenesis. Plasma lipoproteins, genetics and the hemodynamics of the blood flow in the artery all play important roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Animal models are valuable tools for providing insights on the etiology and pathophysiology of this disease. They can be used for testing the efficacy and safety of different pharmacological therapies.
Fig.1 Atherosclerotic plaque progression and impact of current therapeutic strategies. (Quillard et al. 2012)
Genetically Modified Mouse Models of Atherosclerosis
Mice deficient in either Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) or Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) are the two most frequently used mouse models for atherosclerosis research. Both APOE and LDLR are important for the removal of cholesterol and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles from the blood. APOE is a plasma glycoprotein constituent on the surface of most lipoproteins including very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) and chylomicron lipoprotein particles. LDLR is a cell-surface receptor that recognizes the ApoE, apoprotein B 100, and apolipoprotein B (APOB) to clear the lipoprotein particles from the blood. Human mutations in LDLR and APOE are associated with several hereditary dyslipidemic disorders and increase the susceptibility to atherosclerosis for the mutation carrier. Both Apoe- and LDLR-deficient mice display increased plasma cholesterol levels and develop atherosclerotic lesions under specific dietary conditions.
Our Capabilities
At Creative Biolabs, mice deficient in APOE (ApoE-/- mice) or the low-density LDLR (LDLR-/- mice) and transgenic mice with human mutant Apoe are provided to test the efficacy of therapeutic agents against atherosclerosis. Serum cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), LDL, and free fatty acid (FFA) are monitored weekly during the whole experiment. Atherosclerosis will be estimated by en face analysis, histology and IHC (macrophage stained area in the aortic area). Differences between control and treatment groups are evaluated side by side to assess efficacy.
Available rodent atherosclerosis models at Creative Biolabs include but are not limited to:
Assessments for Drug Evaluation
We provide assessments including but not limited to:
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Creative Biolabs has developed strong knowledge and expertise in efficacy studies of gene therapies, biologics, and small molecules. Mouse models that carry the specified mutations in Apoe, Ldlr, or other genes in the lipoprotein transportation and metabolic pathways are available. Contact our scientists to discuss your study plan today.
Reference
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