Extended Data Fig. 1: Inhibition of atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and rupture by BPNSs@PEG-S2P/R in plaque-bearing angiotensin-infused ApoE−/− mice.
a, Schematic illustration of the timeline and treatment protocol for the angiotensin-infused atherosclerotic plaque rupture model. Fourteen-week-old ApoE−/− mice were fed a HFD for 4 weeks and then received 4 weeks of different treatments with angiotensin II infusion while continuing on the HFD. One day after the last administration, samples were collected from the treated mice to assess therapeutic efficacy. b, Representative microscope images of atherosclerotic plaques in brachiocephalic artery sections stained using H&E and Elastica van Gieson (EVG). The black arrows in EVG staining denote the disrupted/buried fibrous caps within the atherosclerotic plaques of brachiocephalic arteries. Scale bars = 100 µm. c, Quantitative analysis of the total necrotic area and the ratio of necrotic area to the total plaque area in sections of brachiocephalic artery using H&E staining (n = 10 biologically independent mice). d, Quantitative analysis of the number of disrupted/buried fibrous caps, and fibrous cap thickness in atherosclerotic plaques of sections from the brachiocephalic artery using EVG staining (n = 10 biologically independent mice). Disrupted/buried fibrous caps are indicated by arrowheads. e, f, Representative microscope images of aortic root sections stained with (e) ORO, and (f) Masson’s trichrome. Scale bars = 200 µm. The ‘red stars’ in (f) of Masson’s trichrome staining denote the necrotic core area within the aortic roots. g-i, Quantitative analysis of the (g) ORO-positive lesion area, (h) total necrotic core area, and (i) collagen area in atherosclerotic plaques of sections from aortic root (n = 10 biologically independent mice). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with a Dunnett T3 post hoc test, and are shown as mean ± S.D of 10 biologically independent mice in all indicated groups. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001, and ns denotes no significance. Cartoon mouse was created with BioRender.com.