Complex porcine model of atherosclerosis: induction of early coronary lesions after long-term hyperlipidemia without sustained hyperglycemia.

Background: The incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is still increasing in industrialized countries and it is even higher in diabetic patients. For experimental studies investigating the pathophysiology of CAD, the use of an animal model comparable with the pathological situation in patients is crucial.

Objective: To develop a model of advanced coronary atherosclerosis with induction of hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in domestic pigs.