Also, the possibility of using genetically modified mice such as the apoE-/- mouse(46) and the LDLr-/- mouse(47) are relevant models of hypercholesterolaemia since LDL removal is inhibited and thus the cholesterol metabolism is disturbed and share similarities with spontaneous atherosclerosis(46) and familial hypercholesterolaemia(47) seen in humans. This evidence concerns the gene APOE and atherosclerosis.