Purpose: Metabolic syndrome patients exhibit impaired cholesterol efflux capacity. Previous studies have shown a positive association between aortic stiffness and metabolic syndrome. However, it is unknown whether cholesterol efflux capacity participates in the process of aortic stiffness. This study sought to determine the effect of metabolic syndrome on aortic stiffening, and to investigate the effectiveness of aortic wraps on aortic compliance and the underlying mechanisms.
Methods: In a swine model of metabolic syndrome, we compared the cholesterol efflux capacity and aortic compliance responding to diet modifications and aortic wrap applications.
Results: Metabolic syndrome induced by high cholesterol diet significantly decreased cholesterol efflux capacity and aortic compliance. Elastic aortic wrap application increased aortic compliance and partially restored cholesterol efflux capacity via ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) pathway.
Conclusions: Cholesterol efflux plays a role in aortic stiffening. Elastic aortic wrap application could be a potential treatment for aortic stiffness related to metabolic syndrome.
Keywords: Aortic stiffness; Aortic wrap; Cholesterol efflux capacity; Metabolic syndrome; Pigs.