Deletion of Periostin Protects Against Atherosclerosis in Mice by Altering Inflammation and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Periostin is a secreted protein that can alter extracellular matrix remodeling in response to tissue injury. However, the functional role of periostin in the development of atherosclerotic plaques has yet to be described despite its observed induction in diseased vessels and presence in the serum.

Approach and results

Hyperlipidemic, apolipoprotein E-null mice (ApoE(-/) (-)) were crossed with periostin (Postn(-/-)) gene-deleted mice and placed on a high-fat diet for 6 or 14 weeks to induce atherosclerosis. En face analysis of aortas showed significantly decreased lesion areas of ApoE(-/-) Postn(-/-) mice compared with ApoE(-/-) mice, as well as a reduced inflammatory response with less macrophage content. Moreover, diseased aortas from ApoE(-/-) Postn(-/-) mice dis

SUBMITTER: Schwanekamp JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4690815 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature