Modelling of atherosclerosis in genetically modified animals.

Atherosclerosis is a lipid-driven, chronic inflammatory disease that leads to plaque formation at specific sites of the arterial tree. Being the common cause of many cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis makes a tremendous impact on morbidity and mortality rates of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in countries with higher income. Animal models of atherosclerosis are utilized as useful tools for studying the aetiology, pathogenesis and complications of atherosclerosis, thus, providing a valuable platform for the efficacy testing of different pharmacological therapies and validation of imaging techniques. To date, a large variety of models is available. Pathophysiological changes can be induced in animals by either an atherogenic diet or genetic manipulations. The discussion of advantages and disadvantages of some murine, rabbit and porcine genetic models currently available for the atherosclerosis research is the scope of the following review.