[Vascular endothelial growth factor gene therapy for peripheral artery disease: experimental study].
OBJECTIVE
To Study experimentally VEGF gene for treatment of peripheral artery disease.


METHODS
The human VEGF cDNA was cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pcD2. Using gene suture, the recombinant plasmid was transferred into the hindlimbs' adductor of Rhesus monkey, of which the distal end of the external iliac arteries were ligated and the femoral arteries were completely excised. With angiography, the biological effect of VEGF gene in experimental animals was investigated. Safety tests were analyzed by transferring of VEGF into mouse, rat, and Rhesus monkey, evaluated by biochemistry analysis, histopathological examination, PCR, and indirect ELISA.


RESULTS
The transfer of VEGF gene stimulated the formation of focal microvessels, established collateral circulation, and augmented blood perfusion. The system had no adverse effect and remarkable pathological change in mouse, rat, and Rhesus monkey.


CONCLUSIONS
The experimental studies indicated that VEGF would be effective and safe for clinical trial after approval.
Sheng
Q
Q
Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Beijing Medical University, Beijing 100083.
Zhu
G
G
Zhou
A
A
D000818:Animals; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000633:toxicity; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D007083:Iliac Artery; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000235:genetics* / Q000633:toxicity; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors