AnxA5 reduces plaque inflammation of advanced atherosclerotic lesions in apoE(-/-) mice

Annexin A5 (AnxA5) exerts anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and anti-apoptotic effects through binding cell surface expressed phosphatidylserine. The actions of AnxA5 on atherosclerosis are incompletely understood. We investigated effects of exogenous AnxA5 on plaque morphology and phenotype of advanced atherosclerotic lesions in apoE(-/-) mice. Advanced atherosclerotic lesions were induced in 12weeks old Western type diet fed apoE(-/-) mice using a collar placement around the carotid artery. After 5weeks mice were injected either with AnxA5 (n=8) or vehicle for another 4weeks. AnxA5 reduced plaque macrophage content both in the intima (59% reduction,