Statins’ Withdrawal Induces Atherosclerotic Plaque Destabilization in Animal Model—A “Rebound” Stimulation of Inflammation

Background:To evaluate the impact of atorvastatin discontinuation on the progression and stability of atherosclerotic plaques in a valid animal model of atherosclerosis. Methods:Seventy ApoE−/− male mice fed with high-fat diet were randomly assigned into: (1) long-term intervention groups: (i) ATL, received atorvastatin for 12 weeks, (ii) CO-12W, control received vehicle for 12 weeks, (iii) ATW-6W, received atorvastatin for 6 weeks which was...