Nanoparticle-Aided Characterization of Arterial Endothelial Architecture during Atherosclerosis Progression and Metabolic Therapy.

ABSTRACT: Atherosclerosis is associated with a compromised endothelial barrier, facilitating the accumulation of immune cells and macromolecules in atherosclerotic lesions. In this study, we investigate endothelial barrier integrity and the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect during atherosclerosis progression and therapy in Apoe^-/- mice using hyaluronan nanoparticles (HA-NPs). Utilizing ultrastructural and en face plaque imaging, we uncover a significantly decreased junction continuity in the atherosclerotic plaque-covering endothelium compared to the normal vessel wall, indicative of disrupted endothelial barrier. Intriguingly, the plaque advancement had a positive effect on junction stabilization, which correlated with a 3-fold lower accumulation of

SUBMITTER: Beldman TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6933811 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature