Genetic modifiers of atherosclerosis in mice

Atherosclerosis is a complex, multifactorial disease with both genetic and environmental determinants. Experimental investigation of the effects of th ese determinants on the development and progression of atherosclerosis has been greatly facilitated by the use of targeted mouse models of the disease , particularly those resulting from the absence of functional genes for apo lipoprotein E or the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). This review f ocuses on the influence on atherosclerosis of combining apoE or LDLR defici encies with factors affecting atherogenesis, including (1) inflammatory pro cesses, (2) glucose metabolism, (3) blood pressure, and (4) coagulation and fibrinolysis. We also discuss the general problem of using the mouse to te st the effects on atherogenesis of human polymorphic variations and future ways of enhancing the usefulness of these mouse models.