A Western Dietary Pattern and Atorvastatin Induce Epicardial Adipose Tissue Interferon Signaling in the Ossabaw Pig

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) inflammation is thought to potentiate the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Overall diet quality and statin therapy are important modulators of inflammation and CAD progression. Our objective was to examine the effects and interaction of dietary patterns and statin therapy on EAT gene expression in the Ossabaw pig. Thirty-two Ossabaw miniature pigs (16 boars, 16 gilts) were randomized using a 2x2 factorial design into four groups: Hearty Healthy diet (HHD); Heart Healthy diet + atorvastatin (HHD+S); Western diet (WD); and Western diet + atorvastatin (WD+S). Heart Healthy diet (high in unsaturated fat, unrefined grain, fruits/vegetables [HHD]) or Western diet (high in saturated fat, cholesterol, refined grain [WD]), with or without atorvastatin.