Distinct gene signatures define pathogen- versus diet-induced atherosclerosis development

The goal of this study was to define gene expression profiles in aortic tissue in response to three pro-atherogenic stimuli at two time points. We identified gene expression profiles induced by oral P.gingivalis (Pg), intranasal C. pneumoniae (Cp), and Western diet (WD) at acute (1 day after last infection, Pg, Cp, and control groups) and chronic (9 weeks after last infection, Pg, Cp, and control groups; WD for 9 weeks) time points in aortas of Apolipoprotein E (Apoe-/-) mice. 3 replicates per group were analyzed. RNA was analyzed using Mouse Gene 1.0 ST Array (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). Total RNA from aortic tissue of Apoe-/- mice treated with P. gingivalis, C. pneumoniae, or fed a Western diet were compared to controls at acute and chronic time points.