Objective
The use of animal models of aortic stenosis (AS) remains essential to further elucidate its pathophysiology and to evaluate new therapeutic strategies. The waved-2 mouse AS model has been proposed; data have indicated that while aortic regurgitation (AR) is effectively induced, development of AS is rare. We aimed to evaluate the effect of high-fat diet (HFD) and vitamin D3 supplementation in this model.
Methods
HFD and subcutaneous vitamin D3 injections were initiated at the age of 6?weeks until the age of 6 (n?=?16, 6-month treatment group) and 9 (n?=?11, 9-month treatment group) months. Twelve waved-2 mice without supplementation were used as control. Echocardiography was performed at 3, 6 and 9?months. Blood serum analysis (calcium, 1,25(OH)2D3 and cholesterol), histology and immunohistochemistry (CD-31, CD-68 and osteopontin) were evaluated at the end of the experiment (6 or 9?months).
Results
Total cholesterol and 1,25(OH)2D3 were significantly increased relative to the control group. HFD and vitamin D3 supplementation did result in improvements to the model, since AS was only detected in 6 (15.3%) mice (2 in the 3 groups) and AR was developed in the remaining animals. Echocardiographic parameters, fibrosis, thickness, inflammation and valvular calcification, were not significantly different between the 6-month treatment and control groups. Similar results were also observed in the 9-month treatment group.
Conclusion
These results suggest that HFD and vitamin D3 supplementation have no effect in the waved-2 mouse model. This model essentially mimics AR and rarely AS. Further studies are needed to find a reliable animal model of AS.

Key words: Experimental model, Epidermal growth factor receptor, Vitamin D3, High-fat diet, Aortic stenosis, Aortic regurgitation