Hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis: experimental models

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, and atherosclerosis is considered as the primary pathological process responsible for their development. Numerous studies have shown that high levels of low-density lipoproteins in the blood are one of the most significant risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis.Various models using both small and large animals, including genetically modified models – transgenic and knockout animals – are used to study the atherogenic process. Studies on hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis commonly combine an atherogenic diet with genetic manipulations. However, none of the available models is ideal, as each has its own advantages and limitations in reproducing the lipoprotein profile and the extent of atherosclerosis compared to human cases.This review presents literature data on modern models of hyperlipidemia in the most frequently studied laboratory animals: mice, rats, and rabbits.