Iyanna Hunter

3/31/2016
Block 1
Principles of Human Inheritance

Summary of CVD in Animal Models

Cardiovascular Disease is the number one leading cause of death in the nation. Cardiovascular
disease is different forms of diseases that affect the heart and can lead to heart attack and/or
death. Scientist have studied heart disease in mouse models to see what exactly goes on when
heart disease is found within the system of their bodies. Mouse have been used for different
forms of heart disease, one for Atherothrombotic Disease. Mouse models in this specific study
are based on genectic modification of lipoprotien metabolism.In addition, scientist made dietary
changes to see if cholesterol levels are affected.
Atherothrombotic is a disease that deals with Atherosclerosis which is a complex disease. It
causes a build up a plaque around the heart; therefore, it blocks blood from being pumped
effectively. In mouse scientist have studied Atherosclerosis lesion development. Mouse models
are proved to be useful to study development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. The
knockout and transgenic mouse models for atherosclerosis have been supplemental for
understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in atherogenesis. Also mouse
models have been effective in the evaluation of new and existing atherosclerotic drugs that are
later tested on humans.
Low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice (LDLR mice) and apolipoprotein E-deficient
mice (apoE mice) are the most widely used in studying Cardiovascular Diseases in mice.
Atherosclerotic lesions seen in the animal models are shown by,displaying the two common risk
factors of CVD, hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes. The LDLR Mice model familial

hypercholesterolemia. A mutation occurs which affects plasma and lipoprotein of the mice. This
makes is a perfect model for humans she to it modeling high cholesterol levels. The apoE mouse
models elevated cholesterol and plasma levels. They help identify the cell types affected by
atherogenesis, modify genes, prevention of atherosclerosis, and drugs for atherosclerosis.
The studies purpose was to display CVD in animal models, so they can find new information.
Scientist posed question such as, What gene is affected by this type of diet? Does changing
the dietary of the animal affect is cholesterol levels? How can we use this new information to
form new drugs or clinical trials for humans with CVD? They study addressed the questions they
posed by physically modeling it and two different type of mice. They then took the information
and compared it to what they've gained from humans. One of the major findings the author had
found in the study was that apoE mice models to major complications in humans: thrombosis and
plaque rupture.
In conclusion, mice models have helped show the importance of atherogenesis and how it
progresses. They have provided us with important insights of pathophysiology which allows us
to evaluate new strategies through drugs and thearpies. Mice models are proven to be very
effective being that it's the closet to modeling a human with CVD.
Zargoza, Carlos, Carmen Gomez- Guerrero, Jose Luis Martin- Ventura, Luis Blanco-Colio,
Begoa Lavin, Beat Mallavia, Carlos Tarin, Sebastian Mas, Alberto Ortiz, and Jesus Egido.
"Animal Models of Cardiovascular Diseases." Animal Models of Cardiovascular Diseases.
Hindawi, 17 Jan. 2011. Web. 31 Mar. 2016.
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2011/497841/