Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis for the occurrence of many vascular diseases and has a strong association with metabolic syndrome. Peripheral arterial diseases caused by AS have high morbidities and mortalities but lack still effective treatment. AS animal models are highly valuable for research on peripheral arteriosclerotic diseases. While small and medium AS animal models based on high-fat feeding and balloon injuries have been successfully established,few literatures have described the creation of large animal models for AS treatment. This article elucidates the current methods for creating medium and large animal models of peripheral atherosclerotic disease,with an attempt to further promote the clinical translation of AS treatment research.
Keywords: animal models; atherosclerosis; high-fat diet; mechanical injury; mini pigs.