Effect of hypertension on low-density lipoprotein transport within a multi-layered arterial wall: modelling consistent with experiments

TL;DR

This paper develops a multi-layer arterial wall model incorporating hypertension effects to accurately simulate LDL transport, aligning well with experimental data and enhancing understanding of atherosclerosis mechanisms.

Contribution

The study introduces a modified arterial wall model that includes pressure-induced tissue compression and increased leaky junctions, improving the simulation of LDL transport under hypertension.

Findings

Model reproduces experimental LDL levels in arterial walls.

Increased pressure enhances LDL penetration due to tissue compression.

Leaky junctions significantly influence LDL transport dynamics.

Abstract

The influence of hypertension on low-density lipoproteins intake into the arterial wall is an important factor for understanding mechanisms of atherosclerosis. It has been experimentally observed that the increased pressure leads to the higher level of the LDL inside the wall. In this paper we attempt to construct a model of the LDL transport which reproduces quantitatively experimental outcomes. We supplement the well known four-layer arterial wall model to include two pressure induced effects: the compression of the intima tissue and the increase of the fraction of leaky junctions. We demonstrate that such model can reach the very good agreement with experimental data.