HDL is essential for atherosclerotic lesion regression in Apoe knockout mice by bone marrow Apoe reconstitution

Abstract

Although studies in mice have suggested that lesion regression is feasible, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we determined the impact of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) on atherosclerosis regression outcome.

Atherosclerotic lesion dynamics were studied upon bone marrow transplantation-mediated re-introduction of apolipoprotein E (Apoe) in Apoe knockout mice. Probucol was used to pharmacologically deplete HDL.

for controls: p < 0.05).

We have shown that probucol-induced HDL deficiency impairs the ability of established lesions to regress in response to reversal of the genetic hypercholesterolemia in Apoe knockout mice. Our studies thus highlight a crucial role for HDL in the process of atherosclerosis regression.