PLTP and atherosclerosis: Regarding conflicting preclinical evidence, while PLTP deficiency reduces mouse AAA,[37] research shows PLTP overexpression protects against atherosclerosis – likely reflecting disease-specific roles (e.g., PLTP may exacerbate AD via ECM destruction but mitigate atherosclerosis via HDL function).For alternative mechanisms: Hypertension, the top AD risk factor,[3] synergizes with our identified metabolic network – high blood pressure amplifies CE-induced VSMC apoptosis[25] and MMP activation, accelerating wall weakening.