Innovative Atherosclerosis Models: Advancing Pathophysiology and Translational Research.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition influenced by glucose and lipid disorders, oxidative stress, and thrombosis, reflecting the complexity of its pathological process. The development of accurate experimental models that simulate human AS is essential for understanding its initiation and progression. This review summarizes the current AS research models and analyzes their specific application scenarios. We discuss tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) and vessels-on-a-chip (VoCs), which leverage tissue engineering and precise microenvironmental control to construct in vitro models that closely resemble the structure and function of human AS. Isolated vessel segments from live animals provide a valuable tool for investigating human AS due to their physiological similarity, controllability, and reproducibility. The review further outlines the construction of AS animal models through high-fat diets and gene-editing techniques, highlighting how immune-inflammatory responses, mechanical arterial injury, and hemodynamic changes accelerate model development. This comprehensive analysis highlights the potential of AS models to revolutionize theranostic applications in clinical translational research, paving the way for more personalized and effective treatments for AS in the near future.