Fig. 6.

Effect of circadian dysfunction on hypercholesterolemia-induced arteriosclerosis in constant darkness.

Male mice were exposed to the HFD at 10–11 weeks of age in constant darkness, and maintained with the diet for a period of 24 or 28 weeks. (A) Body weight was measured every 2 weeks. The data indicate the average ± SE (n = 25 mice). Student's t-test was performed and statistical significance was defined as *P < 0.05. (B and C) 24 and 28 weeks after exposure to the HFD, plasma concentrations of T-CHO and TG were measured. The data indicate the average ± SE (n = 12 or 13 mice). Student's t-test was performed and statistical significance was defined as *P < 0.05. (D and E) 24 and 28 weeks after exposure to the HFD, aortic samples were stained in Oil Red O working solution. The images indicate representative specimens showing a near-average plaque area 24 and 28 weeks after HFD treatment. (F and G) The area (%) of aortic lesion in each animal was measured as the percentage of lesion area per total area of the aorta. Each dot indicates the lesion area from an individual mouse. The horizontal bold bars indicate the average of 12 (or 13) mice. Student's t-test was performed and statistical significance was defined as *P < 0.05.