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Table 1 Advantages and disadvantages of mouse models for studying atherosclerosis

From: Mouse models of atherosclerosis: a historical perspective and recent advances

Advantages

Disadvantages

Ease of genetic manipulation

Toxic diet needed to induce atherosclerosis in wild-type mice

Low maintenance cost

Different lipid metabolism compared to humans: high HDL, no CETP

Short generation time means less time consuming for research projects

Differing cardiovascular anatomy and physiology with different predisposed site for the development atherosclerosis

Wide availability

Small body size limits frequent blood collection and increases difficulty of dissection of small arteries