Disruption of Nrf2, a Key Inducer of Antioxidant Defenses, Attenuates ApoE-Mediated Atherosclerosis in Mice
2008
Nrf2 and Atherosclerosis in Mice
Sample size: 12
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Sussan Thomas E., Jun Jonathan, Thimmulappa Rajesh, Bedja Djahida, Antero Maria, Gabrielson Kathleen L., Polotsky Vsevolod Y., Biswal Shyam
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
Disruption of Nrf2 in mice causes increased atherosclerosis.
Conclusion
Nrf2 is pro-atherogenic in mice, despite its antioxidative function.
Supporting Evidence
- ApoE−/− Nrf2−/− mice exhibited significantly smaller plaque area than ApoE−/− controls (11.5% vs 29.5%).
- The decrease in plaque area was associated with a significant decrease in uptake of modified low density lipoproteins by macrophages.
- Nrf2-deficient mice exhibited a 67% decrease in plaque area after 10 weeks and a 61% decrease after 20 weeks.
Takeaway
This study found that mice without a protein called Nrf2 had less plaque buildup in their arteries, which is surprising because Nrf2 usually helps protect against damage.
Methodology
Mice were fed an atherogenic diet for 10 or 20 weeks, and plaque area was assessed in the aortas.
Limitations
Blood pressure measurements were not taken in the study.
Participant Demographics
Mice were age- and sex-matched.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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