Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2016

Publication Title

Gene Therapy

Volume

23

Issue

8-9

Pages

649-656

DOI

10.1038/gt.2016.35

Abstract

This study aimed to assess safety and therapeutic potential of gene electrotransfer (GET) as a method for delivery of plasmid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) to ischemic myocardium in a porcine model. Myocardial ischemia was induced by surgically occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery in swine. GET following plasmid encoding VEGF-A injection was performed at four sites in the ischemic region. Control groups either received injections of the plasmid without electrotransfer or injections of the saline vehicle. Animals were monitored for 7 weeks and the hearts were evaluated for angiogenesis, myocardial infarct size and left ventricular contractility. Arteriograms suggest growth of new arteries as early as 2 weeks after treatment in electrotransfer animals. There is a significant reduction of infarct area and left ventricular contractility is improved in GET-treated group compared with controls. There was no significant difference in mortality of animals treated with GET of plasmid encoding VEGF-A from the control groups. Gene delivery of plasmid encoding VEGF-A to ischemic myocardium in a porcine model can be accomplished safely with potential for myocardial repair and regeneration.

Original Publication Citation

Bulysheva, A. A., Hargrave, B., Burcus, N., Lundberg, C. G., Murray, L., & Heller, R. (2016). Vascular endothelial growth factor-A gene electrotransfer promotes angiogenesis in a porcine model of cardiac ischemia. Gene Therapy, 23(8-9), 649-656. doi:10.1038/gt.2016.35

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