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Wu M, Pokreisz P, Claus P, Casazza A, Gillijns H, Caluwé E, De Petrini M, Belmans A, Reyns G, Collen D, Janssens SP. Recombinant human placental growth factor-2 in post-infarction left ventricular dysfunction: a randomized, placebo-controlled, preclinical study. Basic Res Cardiol 2024; 119:795-806. [PMID: 39090343 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-024-01069-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF)-2 induces angio- and arteriogenesis in rodents but its therapeutic potential in a clinically representative post-infarction left ventricular (LV) dysfunction model remains unclear. We, therefore, investigated the safety and efficacy of recombinant human (rh)PlGF-2 in the infarcted porcine heart in a randomized, placebo-controlled blinded study. We induced myocardial infarction (MI) in pigs using 75 min mid-LAD balloon occlusion followed by reperfusion. After 4 w, we randomized pigs with marked LV dysfunction (LVEF < 40%) to receive continuous intravenous infusion of 5, 15, 45 µg/kg/day rhPlGF-2 or PBS (CON) for 2 w using osmotic pumps. We evaluated the treatment effect at 8 w using comprehensive MRI and immunohistochemistry and measured myocardial PlGF-2 receptor transcript levels. At 4 w after MI, infarct size was 16-18 ± 4% of LV mass, resulting in significantly impaired systolic function (LVEF 34 ± 4%). In the pilot study (3 pigs/dose), PIGF administration showed sustained dose-dependent increases in plasma concentrations for 14 days without systemic toxicity and was associated with favorable post-infarct remodeling. In the second phase (n = 42), we detected no significant differences at 8 w between CON and PlGF-treated pigs in infarct size, capillary or arteriolar density, global LV function and regional myocardial blood flow at rest or during stress. Molecular analysis showed significant downregulation of the main PlGF-2 receptor, pVEGFR-1, in dysfunctional myocardium. Chronic rhPIGF-2 infusion was safe but failed to induce therapeutic neovascularization and improve global cardiac function after myocardial infarction in pigs. Our data emphasize the critical need for properly designed trials in representative large animal models before translating presumed promising therapies to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N1, 49 Herestraat, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Pokreisz
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N1, 49 Herestraat, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- CoBioRes NV, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Piet Claus
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N1, 49 Herestraat, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Hilde Gillijns
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N1, 49 Herestraat, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Caluwé
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N1, 49 Herestraat, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Ann Belmans
- Leuven Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Desire Collen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N1, 49 Herestraat, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- CoBioRes NV, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefan P Janssens
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N1, 49 Herestraat, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Shan S, Li Q, Criswell T, Atala A, Zhang Y. Stem cell therapy combined with controlled release of growth factors for the treatment of sphincter dysfunction. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:56. [PMID: 36927578 PMCID: PMC10018873 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01009-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphincter dysfunction often occurs at the end of tubule organs such as the urethra, anus, or gastroesophageal sphincters. It is the primary consequence of neuromuscular impairment caused by trauma, inflammation, and aging. Despite intensive efforts to recover sphincter function, pharmacological treatments have not achieved significant improvement. Cell- or growth factor-based therapy is a promising approach for neuromuscular regeneration and the recovery of sphincter function. However, a decrease in cell retention and viability, or the short half-life and rapid degradation of growth factors after implantation, remain obstacles to the translation of these therapies to the clinic. Natural biomaterials provide unique tools for controlled growth factor delivery, which leads to better outcomes for sphincter function recovery in vivo when stem cells and growth factors are co-administrated, in comparison to the delivery of single therapies. In this review, we discuss the role of stem cells combined with the controlled release of growth factors, the methods used for delivery, their potential therapeutic role in neuromuscular repair, and the outcomes of preclinical studies using combination therapy, with the hope of providing new therapeutic strategies to treat incontinence or sphincter dysfunction of the urethra, anus, or gastroesophageal tissues, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengzhou Shan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Tracy Criswell
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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Kessler JA, Shaibani A, Sang CN, Christiansen M, Kudrow D, Vinik A, Shin N. Gene therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A randomized, placebo-controlled phase III study of VM202, a plasmid DNA encoding human hepatocyte growth factor. Clin Transl Sci 2021; 14:1176-1184. [PMID: 33465273 PMCID: PMC8212761 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
VM202 is a plasmid DNA encoding two isoforms of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). A previous phase II study in subjects with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) showed significant reductions in pain. A phase III study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VM202 in DPN. The trial was conducted in two parts, one for 9 months (DPN 3-1) with 500 subjects (VM202: 336 subjects; and placebo: 164) and a preplanned subset of 101 subjects (VM202: 65 subjects; and placebo: 36) with a noninterventional extension to 12 months (DPN 3-1b). VM202 or placebo was administered to calf muscles on days 0 and 14, and on days 90 and 104. The primary end point in DPN 3-1 was change from baseline in the mean 24-h Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain score. In DPN 3-1b, the primary end point was safety, whereas the secondary efficacy end point was change in the mean pain score. VM202 was well-tolerated in both studies without significant adverse events. VM202 failed to meet its efficacy end points in DPN 3-1. In DPN 3-1b, however, VM202 showed significant and clinically meaningful pain reduction versus placebo. Pain reduction in DPN 3-1b was even greater in subjects not receiving gabapentin or pregabalin, confirming an observation noted in the phase II study. In DPN 3-1b, symptomatic relief was maintained for 8 months after the last injection suggesting that VM202 treatment might change disease progression. Despite the perplexing discrepancy between the two studies, the safety and long-lasting pain-relieving effects of VM202 observed in DPN 3-1b warrant another rigorous phase III study. Study Highlights WHAT IS THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON THE TOPIC? Current therapies for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are palliative and do not target the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, symptomatic relief is often limited with existing neuropathic pain drugs. Thus, there is a great medical need for safer and effective treatments for DPN. WHAT QUESTION DID THIS STUDY ADDRESS? Can nonviral gene delivery of hepatocyte growth factor reduce pain in patients with DPN and potentially modify progression of the disorder? WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD TO OUR KNOWLEDGE? Nonviral gene therapy can be used safely and practically to treat DPN. HOW MIGHT THIS CHANGE CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY OR TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE? As the first gene medicine to enter advanced clinical trials for the treatment of DPN, this study provides the proof of concept of an entirely new potential approach to the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Kessler
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Aziz Shaibani
- Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas, Texas Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christine N Sang
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - David Kudrow
- Neurological Research Institute, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Aaron Vinik
- Strelitz Diabetes Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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Coronary stents with inducible VEGF/HGF-secreting UCB-MSCs reduced restenosis and increased re-endothelialization in a swine model. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:1-14. [PMID: 30174328 PMCID: PMC6119684 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0143-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic plaques within the vasculature may eventually lead to heart failure. Currently, cardiac stenting is the most effective and least invasive approach to treat this disease. However, in-stent restenosis is a complex chronic side effect of stenting treatment. This study used coronary stents coated with stem cells secreting angiogenic growth factors via an inducible genome-editing system to reduce stent restenosis and induce re-endothelialization within the artery. The characteristics of the cells and their adhesion properties on the stents were confirmed, and the stents were transplanted into a swine model to evaluate restenosis and the potential therapeutic use of stents with stem cells. Restenosis was evaluated using optical coherence tomography (OCT), microcomputed tomography (mCT) and angiography, and re-endothelialization was evaluated by immunostaining after cardiac stent treatment. Compared to a bare metal stent (BMS) or a parental umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell (UCB-MSC)-coated stent, the stents with stem cells capable of the controlled release of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) successfully reduced restenosis within the stent and induced natural re-endothelialization. Furthermore, UCB-MSCs exhibited the ability to differentiate into endothelial cells in Matrigel, and HGF and VEGF improved this differentiation. Our study indicates that stents coated with UCB-MSCs secreting VEGF/HGF reduce the restenosis side effects of cardiac stenting with improved re-endothelialization.
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Thiagarajan H, Thiyagamoorthy U, Shanmugham I, Dharmalingam Nandagopal G, Kaliyaperumal A. Angiogenic growth factors in myocardial infarction: a critical appraisal. Heart Fail Rev 2018. [PMID: 28639006 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-017-9630-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In the recent past, substantial advances have been made in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). Despite the impact of these positive developments, MI remains to be a leading cause of morbidity as well as mortality. An interesting hypothesis is that the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) or the remodeling of preexisting collaterals may form natural bypasses that could compensate for the occlusion of an epicardial coronary artery. A number of angiogenic factors are proven to be elicited during MI. Exogenous supplementation of these growth factors either in the form of recombinant protein or gene would enhance the collateral vessel formation and thereby improve the outcome after MI. The aim of this review is to describe the nature and potentials of different angiogenic factors, their expression, their efficacy in animal studies, and clinical trials pertaining to MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemalatha Thiagarajan
- Department of Biological Materials, CSIR - Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai, 600020, India.
| | - UmaMaheswari Thiyagamoorthy
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Home Science College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, 625 014, India
| | - Iswariya Shanmugham
- Department of Biological Materials, CSIR - Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai, 600020, India
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Hepatocyte Growth Factor Regulates the miR-206-HDAC4 Cascade to Control Neurogenic Muscle Atrophy following Surgical Denervation in Mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 12:568-577. [PMID: 30195792 PMCID: PMC6077135 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been well characterized for its roles in the migration of muscle progenitors during embryogenesis and the differentiation of muscle stem cells, but its function in adult neurogenic muscle atrophic conditions is poorly understood. Here we investigated whether HGF/c-met signaling has any effects on muscle-atrophic conditions. It was found that HGF expression was upregulated in skeletal muscle tissue following surgical denervation and in hSOD1-G93A transgenic mice showing severe muscle loss. Pharmacological inhibition of the c-met receptor decreased the expression level of pri-miR-206, enhanced that of HDAC4 and atrogenes, and resulted in increased muscle atrophy. In C2C12 cells, HGF inhibited phosphorylation of Smad3 and relieved TGF-β-mediated suppression of miR-206 expression via JNK. When extra HGF was exogenously provided through intramuscular injection of plasmid DNA expressing HGF, the extent of muscle atrophy was reduced, and the levels of all affected biochemical markers were changed accordingly, including those of primary and mature miR-206, HDAC4, and various atrogenes. Taken together, our finding suggested that HGF might play an important role in regard to neurogenic muscle atrophy and that HGF might be used as a platform to develop therapeutic agents for neuromuscular disorders.
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Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction in gene therapy: A new tool to cure human diseases. Genes Dis 2016; 4:64-74. [PMID: 30258909 PMCID: PMC6136600 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Human gene therapy has made significant advances in less than two decades. Within this short period of time, gene therapy has proceeded from the conceptual stage to technology development and laboratory research, and finally to clinical trials for the treatment of a variety of deadly diseases. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and stroke are leading causes of death worldwide. Despite advances in medical, interventional, radiation and surgical treatments, the mortality rate remains high, and the need for novel therapies is great. Gene therapy provides an efficient approach to disease treatment. Notable advances in gene therapy have been made for genetic disorders, including severe combined immune deficiency, chronic granulomatus disorder, hemophilia and blindness, as well as for acquired diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. However, lack of an efficient delivery system to target cells as well as the difficulty of sustained expression of transgenes has hindered advancements in gene therapy. Ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) is a promising approach for target-specific gene delivery, and it has been successfully investigated for the treatment of many diseases in the past decade. In this paper, we review UTMD-mediated gene delivery for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and stroke.
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Vela D, Gahremanpour A, Buja LM. Method for sectioning and sampling hearts for histologic evaluation after delivery of biological agents by transendocardial injection. Cardiovasc Pathol 2015; 24:304-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Phase 1/2 open-label dose-escalation study of plasmid DNA expressing two isoforms of hepatocyte growth factor in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Mol Ther 2013; 21:1279-86. [PMID: 23609019 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of intramuscular injections of plasmid DNA (VM202) expressing two isoforms of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in subjects with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN). Twelve patients in three cohorts (4, 8, and 16 mg) received two sets of VM202 injections separated by two weeks. Safety and tolerability were evaluated and the visual analog scale (VAS), the short form McGill questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and the brief pain inventory for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (BPI-DPN) measured pain level throughout 12 months after treatment. No serious adverse events (AEs) were observed. The mean VAS was reduced from baseline by 47.2% (P = 0.002) at 6 months and by 44.1% (P = 0.005) at 12 months after treatment. The VAS scores for the 4, 8, and 16 mg dose cohorts at 6 months follow-up decreased in a dose-responsive manner, by 21% (P = 0.971), 53% (P = 0.014), and 62% (P = 0.001), respectively. The results with the BPI-DPN and SF-MPQ showed patterns similar to the VAS scores. In conclusion, VM202 treatment appeared to be safe, well tolerated, and sufficient to provide long term symptomatic relief and improvement in the quality of life in patients with PDPN.
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Lai WF. Nucleic acid delivery: roles in biogerontological interventions. Ageing Res Rev 2013; 12:310-5. [PMID: 22982112 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Prolongation of longevity is a history-long desire of humans. Driven by the genetic contribution to longevity and the remarkable plasticity of healthy lifespan as demonstrated in animal models, arduous efforts have been directed to aging and longevity research over the years. Today, our understanding of lifespan determination is much greater than it was in the past, but administrable interventions for longevity enhancement are still virtually absent. The aim of this article is to highlight the technical gap between basic biogerontological research and intervention development, and to explore the importance of nucleic acid (NA) delivery technologies in bridging the gap. It is hoped that this article can engender more awareness of the roles of NA delivery technologies in biogerontological interventions, particularly NA therapy.
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Pediatr 2012; 24:770-9. [PMID: 23146873 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0b013e32835af8de] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kim JS, Hwang HY, Cho KR, Park EA, Lee W, Paeng JC, Lee DS, Kim HK, Sohn DW, Kim KB. Intramyocardial transfer of hepatocyte growth factor as an adjunct to CABG: phase I clinical study. Gene Ther 2012; 20:717-22. [PMID: 23151518 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2012.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this phase I clinical trial was to evaluate the safety, tolerability and potential efficacy of VM202, naked DNA expressing two isoforms of hepatocyte growth factor, as an adjunct therapy to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Nine patients were assigned to receive increasing doses (0.5 to 2.0 mg) of VM202 injected into the right coronary artery (RCA) territory following completion of CABG for the left coronary artery territory. Patients were evaluated for safety and tolerability, and changes in myocardial functions were monitored via echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and myocardial single photon emission computed tomography throughout 6-month follow-up period. No serious complication related to VM202 was observed throughout the 6-month follow-up period. Global myocardial functions (wall motion score index, P=0.0084; stress perfusion, P=0.0002) improved during the follow-up period. In the RCA region, there was an increase in the stress perfusion (baseline vs 3-month, P=0.024; baseline vs 6-month, P=0.024) and also in the wall thickness of the diastolic and systolic phases. Intramyocardial injection of VM202 can be safely used in IHD patients with the tolerable dose of 2.0 mg. In addition, VM202 might appear to have improved regional myocardial perfusion and wall thickness in the injected region.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Kim
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi, Korea
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