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Recent investigations have suggested that the inflammasome plays a role in the development of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis; however, its precise role remains controversial. We produced double-deficient mice for apolipoprotien E (Apoe) and caspase-1 (Casp1), a key component molecule of the inflammasome, and investigated the effect of caspase-1 deficiency on vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerotic plaque areas in whole aortas and aortic root of Western diet (WD)-fed Apoe^−/−Casp1^−/− mice were significantly reduced compared to those in Apoe^−/− mice. The amount of macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells in the plaques was also reduced in Apoe^−/−Casp1^−/− mice. No significant differences in plasma lipid profiles and body weight change were observed between these mice. Expression of interleukin (IL)-1β in the plaques …