Molecular events associated with underlying changes of the vascular endothelium and subendothelial space during atherogenesis in an animal model / Maimunah Mustakim

The development of atherosclerotic plaques is a multistep process involving changes in blood lipid composition, dysfunction of the endothelium, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Cellular and molecular studies revealed enhanced expressions of several genes in development of atherosclerosis. This thesis aimed to investigate whether changed expressions of endothelial surface genes (VCAM, ICAM, and selectins), MCP-1, MMPs, and tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMPs) are associated with the underlying changes of the endothelium and subendothelial space in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, the present study also determined whether any novel differentially expressed gene (DEG) is associated with atherogenesis. Rabbits were fed with 1 % cholesterol to induce atherosclerosis. Blood serum was collected for lipid profile analysis. Aorta tissues were used to study changes in morphology, ultrastructure, and gene expressions.