Objective-Oxidation of LDL plays a significant pathogenic role in atherosclerosis. In this study, we attempted to clarify the correlation between the morphology of human atherosclerotic plaques and the oxidized LDL (OxLDL) levels in plasma and carotid plaques. Methods and Results-OxLDL levels (ng/g apolipoprotein B) in plasma and carotid plaques from 44 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy and OxLDL levels in 17 control plasma and 9 normal intima samples were determined by a sandwich ELISA by using specific antibodies against OxLDL (DLH3)

Background and Purpose An increasing number of unruptured intracranial aneurysms are being detected, partly due to the increased use of brain imaging techniques. Pharmacological stabilization of aneurysms for the prevention of aneurysmal rupture could potentially be an attractive alternative approach to clipping or coiling in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. We have developed a mouse model of intracranial aneurysm that recapitulates key features of intracranial aneurysms. In this model, subarachnoid hemorrhage from aneurysmal rupture causes neurological symptoms that can be easily detected by a simple neurological examination. Using this model, we tested whether anti-inflammatory agents such as tetracycline derivatives, or a selective inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 (SB-3CT) can prevent the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Methods Aneurysms were induced by a combination of induced hypertension and a single injection of elastase into the cerebrospinal fluid in mice. Treatment with minocycline, doxycycline, or SB-3CT was started six days after aneurysm induction. Aneurysmal rupture was detected by neurological symptoms and confirmed by the presence of intracranial aneurysm with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Results Minocycline and doxycycline significantly reduced rupture rates (vehicle vs. doxycycline = 80 vs. 35%, P < 0.05; vehicle vs. minocycline = 73 vs. 24%, P < 0.05) without affecting the overall incidence of aneurysms. However, SB-3CT did not affect the rupture rate (62 vs. 55%, P = 0.53). Conclusions Our data established the feasibility of using a mouse model of intracranial aneurysm to test pharmacological stabilization of aneurysms. Tetracycline derivatives could be potentially effective in preventing aneurysmal rupture.

Background and Purpose Systemic hypertension has long been considered as a risk factor of aneurysmal rupture. However, a causal link between systemic hypertension and the development of aneurysmal rupture has not been established. In this study, using a mouse model of intracranial aneurysm rupture, we examined the roles of systemic hypertension in the development of aneurysmal rupture. Methods Aneurysms were induced by a combination of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt induced hypertension and a single injection of elastase into the cerebrospinal fluid in mice. Anti-hypertensive treatment was started six days after aneurysm induction. Aneurysmal rupture was detected by neurological symptoms and confirmed by the presence of intracranial aneurysm with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Hydralazine (direct vasodilator) or the discontinuation of the DOCA-salt treatment was used to assess the roles of systemic hypertension. Captopril (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) or losartan (angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist) was used to assess the roles of the local renin-angiotensin system in the vascular wall. Results Normalization of blood pressure by hydralazine significantly reduced the incidence of ruptured aneurysms and the rupture rate. There was a dose dependent relationship between the reduction of blood pressure and the prevention of aneurysmal rupture. Captopril and losartan were able to reduce the rupture rates without affecting systemic hypertension induced by DOCA-salt treatment. Conclusions Normalization of blood pressure after aneurysm formation prevented aneurysmal rupture in mice. In addition, we found that the inhibition of the local renin-angiotensin system independent from the reduction of blood pressure can prevent aneurysmal rupture.