Histological analysis was performed as described previously (27 (link)). At 4 weeks after HCHFD treatment and MCP interventions, all rats were sacrificed following anesthesia with Fentanyl (0.4 mg/kg; Sigma-Aldrich; Merck KGaA) and carotid artery vascular endothelial cells (CAVECs) were collected. CAVECs were fixed in 4% phosphate-buffered saline-buffered formalin for >24 h, followed by processing for conventional paraffin embedding. Sections (5-um thickness) were mounted on glass slides, dewaxed, rehydrated with distilled water and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The CAVECs were examined using a light microscope to identify pathological changes.