Generation of apoM-deficient mice

C57BL/6 apoM ^−/− mice were generated by homologous recombination at the Model Animal Research Center of Nanjing University (China) as previously described (10). A total of 36 male C57BL/6 apoM ^+/+ and apoM^−/− mice, aged 6–8 weeks and weighing ~25 g were housed in a specific pathogen-free animal experiment center at Soochow University. Food and water was provided ad libitum, and the conditions for a regular and stress-free life period were provided, including moderate temperature (20–25°C), standard 12-h light/dark cycle and suitable relative humidity (55–60%).