Lack of Complement Factor C3, but Not Factor B, Increases Hyperlipidemia and Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E−/− Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor−/− Mice

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Abstract
Objective—To investigate the effect of complement deficiency on atherogenesis and lipidemia, we used mice deficient in the third complement component (C3−/−) or factor B (FB−/−).Methods and Results—Complement-deficient mice were crossed with mice deficient in both apolipoprotein E and the low-density lipoprotein receptor (Apoe−/−LDLR−/−). The percent lesion area in the aorta at 16 weeks, determined byen faceanalysis, was 84% higher inC3−/− mice than in controls (11.8%±0.4% versus 6.4%±0.8%, mean±SEM,PC3−/− mice also had 58% higher serum triglyceride levels (PC3−/− mice weighed 13% less (PPFB−/− mice and controls.Conclusions—Complement activation by the classical or lectin pathway exerts atheroprotective effects, possibly through the regulation of lipid metabolism.