Alternatively, deletion of the macrophage apoptosis inhibitory factor (AIM) was associated with increased apoptosis and smaller lesion area in LDLR−/− mice after 5 or 12 weeks on a Western diet.47 Given the variability in genetic mouse models, diets used, and stage of atherosclerosis examined, a direct comparison to the current study is not possible. Here, LDLR is linked to atherosclerosis.