Investigating the impact of doxorubicin on plaque formation in a mouse model of atherosclerosis

Background and Aims: Epidemiological data reveal a higher incidence of atherosclerosis in cancer survivors. In addition to its well-recognised cardiotoxicity, the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) impairs endothelial function and increases arterial stiffness, which are key antecedents for atherosclerosis development. DOX may therefore accelerate atherosclerotic plaque formation, yet this has not been investigated so far. The current study therefore investigated whether DOX accelerates atherosclerotic plaque formation.