Global DNA methylation analysis of human atherosclerotic plaques reveals extensive genomic hypomethylation and reactivation at imprinted locus 14q32 involving induction of a miRNA cluster.

Aims: We conducted a genome-wide analysis to identify differentially methylated genes in atherosclerotic lesions.

Methods: DNA methylation at promoters, exons and introns was identified by massive parallel sequencing. Gene expression was analysed by microarrays, qPCR, immunohistochemistry and western blots.

Simvastatin has an anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages via upregulation of an atheroprotective transcription factor, Kruppel-like factor 2.

Aims: Statins have beneficial vascular effects beyond their cholesterol-lowering action. Since macrophages play a central role in atherogenesis, we characterized the effects of simvastatin on gene expression profile of human peripheral blood monocyte (HPBM)-macrophages.

Methods And Results: Gene expression profile was studied using Affymetrix gene chip analysis.

Increased atherosclerotic lesion calcification in a novel mouse model combining insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hypercholesterolemia.

No mouse model is currently available where the induction of type 2 diabetes on an atherosclerotic background could be achieved without significant concomitant changes in plasma lipid levels. We crossbred 2 genetically modified mouse strains to achieve a model expressing both atherosclerosis and characteristics of type 2 diabetes. For atherosclerotic background we used low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice synthetizing only apolipoprotein B100 (LDLR(-/-) ApoB(100/100)).