Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) in humans by poorly understood mechanisms. Using mouse models of T1DM-accelerated atherosclerosis, we found that relative insulin deficiency, rather than hyperglycemia, elevated levels of apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3), an apolipoprotein that prevents clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) and their remnants. We then showed that serum APOC3 levels predict incident CVD events in subjects with T1DM in the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes (CACTI) study. To explore underlying mechanisms, we examined the impact of Apoc3 antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) on lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis in a mouse model of T1DM. Apoc3 ASO treatment abolished the increased hepatic expression of Apoc3 in diabetic mice, resulting in lower levels of TRLs, without improving glycemic control. APOC3 suppression also prevented arterial accumulation of APOC3-containing lipoprotein particles, macrophage foam cell formation, and accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetic mice. Our observations demonstrate that relative insulin deficiency increases APOC3 and that this results in elevated levels of TRLs and accelerated atherosclerosis in a mouse model of T1DM. Because serum levels of APOC3 predicted incident CVD events in the CACTI study, inhibition of APOC3 might reduce CVD risk in patients with T1DM.

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Our findings suggest that saturated and unsaturated fats differentially regulate placental viability, antioxidant capacity, and inflammation and the actions of gram-positive and gram-negative endotoxins.

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The aim of this review is to encourage the reproductive science community to rethink the design of non-infectious PTB animal studies. While these models have strengthened our understanding of the mediators and triggers of PTB, we must develop improved models that are more consistent with the various factors associated with human PTB (Fig. 1). If we continue viewing PTB through one lens or dimension, Makena will remain the only FDA approved medication. In vivo PTB research requires multi-model, multifactorial approaches that account for the complexity of living animals within and between species.