[Atelocollagen-mediated small interfering RNA delivery for effective gene silencing in rat vein grafts].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of using small interfering RNA targeting TF as a therapy for vein graft failure.


METHODS
External jugular vein to carotid artery interposition vein grafts, which were applied to a low flow condition, were made in 120 Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 260 to 300 g. These rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, 30 rats each group. Group A was atelocollagen-TF Stealth Select RNAi group. Group B was atelocollagen-TF Stealth RNAi group. Group C was atelocollagen group. Group D was control group. Small interfering RNA mixed with atelocollagen was administrated to the external wall of grafted veins. The TF protein expression of vein grafts was analyzed by Western blot at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 d postoperatively, and by immunochemistry at 3 d postoperatively. The proliferation index was determined at 14 d postoperatively. Neointimal hyperplasia was evaluated at 28 d postoperatively. BLOCK-iT fluorescent oligo was used to confirm its stability and successful transfer into the vein graft wall at 3 and 7 d postoperatively for another group (n=12).


RESULTS
Fluorescence of BLOCK-iT fluorescent oligo could be detected in the graft wall even at 7 d postoperatively. Knockdown of the TF expression was achieved by perivascular application of siRNA using atelocollagen. Compared with control group, the intima thickness at 28 d after grafting was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). This phenomenon was preceded by significant reduction of cell proliferation in siRNA-treated grafts at 14 d postoperatively (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of TF in vein grafts can be effectively inhibited by specific siRNAs using a atelocollagen-based nonviral delivery approach in vivo, so that the neointimal thickening can be prevented. Transplants;
Qiu
Xue-feng
XF
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongfi Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
Dong
Nian-guo
NG
Sun
Zong-quan
ZQ
Su
Wei
W
Shi
Jia-wei
JW
D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000517:prevention & control; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D008297:Male; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013925:Thromboplastin / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology*
D004337:Drug Carriers; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; C059821:atelocollagen; D003094:Collagen; D013925:Thromboplastin