Overview of the Most Popular Currently Used Murine Models of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a widespread and serious problem. Every year it causes a huge number of deaths and morbidity. Many aspects of this disease remain not fully understood, which indicates the need to search for the most representative model of atherosclerosis in animal and cell culture models. Animal models resembling the pathophysiology in humans are needed to study the immunometabolic mechanisms and molecular processes mediating the development of the disorder. It's important to point out that no animal model replicates all the attributes of the human disease. Various animal atherosclerosis models have been tested, each of them having its advantages and disadvantages. The use of animal models adheres to ethical guidelines and regulations. Mice are traditionally considered one of the most convenient model objects, including for the study of atherosclerosis. Murine models are relatively cheap, fast-growing, and can be easily manipulated. Nevertheless, there exist numerous limitations when employing murine models. One example of a limitation is that, unlike humans, mice primarily transfer cholesterol in High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) particles rather than Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). There is still no ideal model, even though plenty of them are used for various studies. Within this review, we have compiled pertinent background details concerning the prevailing mouse models employed in atherosclerosis research. We aim to emphasize the benefits and drawbacks associated with their utilization.