Recommendations for Design, Execution, and Reporting of Studies on Experimental Thoracic Aortopathy in Preclinical Models

There is a recent dramatic increase in research on thoracic aortic diseases that
includes aneurysms, dissections, and rupture. Experimental studies predominantly use
mice in which aortopathy is induced by chemical interventions, genetic manipulations, or
both. Many parameters should be deliberated in experimental design in concert with
multiple considerations when providing dimensional data and characterization of aortic
tissues. The purpose of this review is to provide recommendations on guidance in: (1)
selection of mouse model and experimental conditions for the study, (2) parameters for
standardizing detection and measurements of aortic diseases, (3) meaningful
interpretation of characteristics of diseased aortic tissue, and (4) reporting standards
that include rigor and transparency.