1
|
White AL, Bix GJ. VEGFA Isoforms as Pro-Angiogenic Therapeutics for Cerebrovascular Diseases. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040702. [PMID: 37189449 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic angiogenesis has long been considered a viable treatment for vasculature disruptions, including cerebral vasculature diseases. One widely-discussed treatment method to increase angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A. In animal models, treatment with VEGFA proved beneficial, resulting in increased angiogenesis, increased neuronal density, and improved outcome. However, VEGFA administration in clinical trials has thus far failed to replicate the promising results seen in animal models. The lack of beneficial effects in humans and the difficulty in medicinal translation may be due in part to administration methods and VEGFA's ability to increase vascular permeability. One solution to mitigate the side effects of VEGFA may be found in the VEGFA isoforms. VEGFA is able to produce several different isoforms through alternative splicing. Each VEGFA isoform interacts differently with both the cellular components and the VEGF receptors. Because of the different biological effects elicited, VEGFA isoforms may hold promise as a tangible potential therapeutic for cerebrovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Louise White
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Gregory Jaye Bix
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pinczak W, Trzcińska S, Kamiński M. Characteristics and outcomes of clinical trials on gene therapy in non-congenital cardiovascular diseases: cross-sectional study of three clinical trials registries (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2021; 6:e33893. [PMID: 35451992 PMCID: PMC9073605 DOI: 10.2196/33893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Witold Pinczak
- Department of Medicine I, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Non-Viral Gene Delivery Systems for Treatment of Myocardial Infarction: Targeting Strategies and Cardiac Cell Modulation. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091520. [PMID: 34575595 PMCID: PMC8465433 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Conventional therapies involving surgery or pharmacological strategies have shown limited therapeutic effects due to a lack of cardiac tissue repair. Gene therapy has opened an avenue for the treatment of cardiac diseases through manipulating the underlying gene mechanics. Several gene therapies for cardiac diseases have been assessed in clinical trials, while the clinical translation greatly depends on the delivery technologies. Non-viral vectors are attracting much attention due to their safety and facile production compared to viral vectors. In this review, we discuss the recent progress of non-viral gene therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, with a particular focus on myocardial infarction (MI). Through a summary of delivery strategies with which to target cardiac tissue and different cardiac cells for MI treatment, this review aims to inspire new insights into the design/exploitation of non-viral delivery systems for gene cargos to promote cardiac repair/regeneration.
Collapse
|
4
|
Järveläinen N, Halonen P, Nurro J, Hätinen OP, Korpela H, Mäkinen P, Gan LM, Fritsche-Danielson R, Ylä-Herttuala S. Citrate-Saline-Formulated mRNA Delivery into the Heart Muscle with an Electromechanical Mapping and Injection Catheter Does Not Lead to Therapeutic Effects in a Porcine Chronic Myocardial Ischemia Model. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1295-1307. [PMID: 34494459 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on recent success in using modified RNA in clinical applications, we tested the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of direct delivery of citrate-saline-formulated mRNA into an hibernating ischemic heart muscle using an electromechanical mapping and injection catheter system (NOGA/Myostar) in a porcine chronic myocardial ischemia model. Chronic ischemia was induced in domestic pigs (n = 24) using a bottleneck stent placed in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Low (1 mg) and high (7.5 mg) doses of citrate-saline-formulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A165 mRNA were administered in the study. LacZ mRNA and citrate-saline buffer were used as controls. Ten intramyocardial injections (200 μL each) of the mRNAs or citrate-saline buffer were given endovascularly into the hibernating ischemic myocardium using the NOGA catheter. Positron emission tomography 15O-radiowater imaging was performed 7 days after the induction of ischemia and 28 days after the mRNA delivery to measure quantitative myocardial blood perfusion. Coronary angiography, left ventricular function measurements, and clinical chemistry were obtained at each time point. Thirty-five days after the mRNA transfers, pigs were sacrificed, and infarct size and general histology were analyzed. LacZ mRNA pigs were sacrificed 24 h after the transduction. Citrate-saline-formulated mRNA delivery into the ischemic myocardium with endovascular injection catheter did not lead to meaningful transduction with the translation of VEGF-A165, nor therapeutic effects in the heart. VEGF-A165 mRNA showed no statistically significant improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac output, myocardial perfusion, infarct size, collateral growth, or capillary area in the study groups. However, there was a trend in the high-dose group toward an improved LVEF and cardiac output at rest. No significant adverse effects were observed. In conclusion, the NOGA/Myostar injection catheter system is ineffective in delivering citrate-saline-formulated mRNAs into the heart muscle with the doses and methods used in a porcine chronic myocardial ischemia model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niko Järveläinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Paavo Halonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jussi Nurro
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Olli-Pekka Hätinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Henna Korpela
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Li-Ming Gan
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Regina Fritsche-Danielson
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Korpela H, Järveläinen N, Siimes S, Lampela J, Airaksinen J, Valli K, Turunen M, Pajula J, Nurro J, Ylä-Herttuala S. Gene therapy for ischaemic heart disease and heart failure. J Intern Med 2021; 290:567-582. [PMID: 34033164 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has been expected to become a novel treatment method since the structure of DNA was discovered in 1953. The morbidity from cardiovascular diseases remains remarkable despite the improvement of percutaneous interventions and pharmacological treatment, underlining the need for novel therapeutics. Gene therapy-mediated therapeutic angiogenesis could help those who have not gained sufficient symptom relief with traditional treatment methods. Especially patients with severe coronary artery disease and heart failure could benefit from gene therapy. Some clinical trials have reported improved myocardial perfusion and symptom relief in CAD patients, but few trials have come up with disappointing negative results. Translating preclinical success into clinical applications has encountered difficulties in successful transduction, study design, endpoint selection, and patient selection and recruitment. However, promising new methods for transducing the cells, such as retrograde delivery and cardiac-specific AAV vectors, hold great promise for myocardial gene therapy. This review introduces gene therapy for ischaemic heart disease and heart failure and discusses the current status and future developments in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Korpela
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - N Järveläinen
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - S Siimes
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Lampela
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Airaksinen
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - K Valli
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - M Turunen
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Pajula
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Nurro
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - S Ylä-Herttuala
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sant'Anna RT, Eibel B, Markoski MM, Rodrigues CG, de Salles FB, Giusti II, Nesralla IA, Nardi NB, Kalil RAK. Gene therapy for refractory angina and cell therapy for heart failure: experience of a Brazilian research group. Gene Ther 2019; 27:40-50. [PMID: 31278371 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-019-0087-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapy has shown impressive effects in experimental cardiomyopathy models. To a lesser extent, gene therapy has also been studied. In both cases, translation to clinical therapy has been disappointing. This paper is intended to describe the experience and achievements of a multicenter working group located in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, in experimental and translational research projects for cell-based and gene therapy methods in the treatment of dilated and ischemic cardiomyopathies. The results of preclinical and clinical studies showed that bone marrow mononuclear stem cells indeed have an effect in improving myocardial perfusion and contractile function, but the overall results are poorly translated to the clinical level. Gene therapy studies with direct myocardial injections of naked VEGF 165 plasmid showed improvement in myocardial perfusion and function in animal models. A randomized clinical trial found that this method is safe and improved myocardial perfusion, but the benefits disappeared after 1 year. An animal experiment associating VEGF 165 with angiopoietin was undertaken in mini pigs to extend the durability of that therapy. In conclusion, our efforts to better understand the mechanisms and functions of gene and cell-based therapies in cardiology resulted in significant findings and propose a future look at cell-free therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Tofani Sant'Anna
- Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Av Princesa Isabel 395, 90620-001, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Eibel
- Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Av Princesa Isabel 395, 90620-001, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Melissa Medeiros Markoski
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Garcia Rodrigues
- Global Research and Innovation Network - GRINN, Rua Doutor João Colin 1285, Sala 03, 89204-001, Joinville, SC, Brazil
| | - Felipe Borsu de Salles
- Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Av Princesa Isabel 395, 90620-001, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Imarilde Inês Giusti
- Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Av Princesa Isabel 395, 90620-001, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ivo Abrahão Nesralla
- Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Av Princesa Isabel 395, 90620-001, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Nance Beyer Nardi
- Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Av Princesa Isabel 395, 90620-001, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Universidade Luterana do Brasil, Av Farroupilha, 8001, 92425-900, Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Renato Abdala Karam Kalil
- Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Av Princesa Isabel 395, 90620-001, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Casieri V, Matteucci M, Cavallini C, Torti M, Torelli M, Lionetti V. Long-term Intake of Pasta Containing Barley (1-3)Beta-D-Glucan Increases Neovascularization-mediated Cardioprotection through Endothelial Upregulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Parkin. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13424. [PMID: 29044182 PMCID: PMC5647408 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13949-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Barley (1-3)β-D-Glucan (BBG) enhances angiogenesis. Since pasta is very effective in providing a BBG-enriched diet, we hypothesized that the intake of pasta containing 3% BBG (P-BBG) induces neovascularization-mediated cardioprotection. Healthy adult male C57BL/6 mice fed P-BBG (n = 15) or wheat pasta (Control, n = 15) for five-weeks showed normal glucose tolerance and cardiac function. With a food intake similar to the Control, P-BBG mice showed a 109% survival rate (P < 0.01 vs. Control) after cardiac ischemia (30 min)/reperfusion (60 min) injury. Left ventricular (LV) anion superoxide production and infarct size in P-BBG mice were reduced by 62 and 35% (P < 0.0001 vs. Control), respectively. The capillary and arteriolar density of P-BBG hearts were respectively increased by 12 and 18% (P < 0.05 vs. Control). Compared to the Control group, the VEGF expression in P-BBG hearts was increased by 87.7% (P < 0.05); while, the p53 and Parkin expression was significantly increased by 125% and cleaved caspase-3 levels were reduced by 33% in P-BBG mice. In vitro, BBG was required to induce VEGF, p53 and Parkin expression in human umbelical vascular endothelial cells. Moreover, the BBG-induced Parkin expression was not affected by pifithrin-α (10 uM/7days), a p53 inhibitor. In conclusion, long-term dietary supplementation with P-BBG confers post-ischemic cardioprotection through endothelial upregulation of VEGF and Parkin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Matteucci
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Cavallini
- ATTRE (Advanced Therapies and Tissue Regeneration) Laboratory, Innovation Accelerator CNR, Bologna, Italy
| | - Milena Torti
- Research and Development Unit, Pastificio Attilio Matromauro Granoro s.r.l, Corato, Italy
| | - Michele Torelli
- Research and Development Unit, Pastificio Attilio Matromauro Granoro s.r.l, Corato, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Lionetti
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy. .,UOS Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Fondazione Toscana "G. Monasterio", Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim J, Mirando AC, Popel AS, Green JJ. Gene delivery nanoparticles to modulate angiogenesis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 119:20-43. [PMID: 27913120 PMCID: PMC5449271 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Revised: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is naturally balanced by many pro- and anti-angiogenic factors while an imbalance of these factors leads to aberrant angiogenesis, which is closely associated with many diseases. Gene therapy has become a promising strategy for the treatment of such a disordered state through the introduction of exogenous nucleic acids that express or silence the target agents, thereby engineering neovascularization in both directions. Numerous non-viral gene delivery nanoparticles have been investigated towards this goal, but their clinical translation has been hampered by issues associated with safety, delivery efficiency, and therapeutic effect. This review summarizes key factors targeted for therapeutic angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis gene therapy, non-viral nanoparticle-mediated approaches to gene delivery, and recent gene therapy applications in pre-clinical and clinical trials for ischemia, tissue regeneration, cancer, and wet age-related macular degeneration. Enhanced nanoparticle design strategies are also proposed to further improve the efficacy of gene delivery nanoparticles to modulate angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayoung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center and Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Adam C Mirando
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Oncology and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Oncology and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center and Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Oncology and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurosurgery, and Materials Science & Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Maslov M, Foianini S, Lovich M. Delivery of drugs, growth factors, genes and stem cells via intrapericardial, epicardial and intramyocardial routes for sustained local targeted therapy of myocardial disease. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2017; 14:1227-1239. [PMID: 28276968 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2017.1292249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Local myocardial delivery (LMD) of therapeutic agents is a promising strategy that aims to treat various myocardial pathologies. It is designed to deliver agents directly to the myocardium and minimize their extracardiac concentrations and side effects. LMD aims to enhance outcomes of existing therapies by broadening their therapeutic window and to utilize new agents that could not be otherwise be implemented systemically. Areas covered: This article provides a historical overview of six decades LMD evolution in terms of the approaches, including intrapericardial, epicardial, and intramyocardial delivery, and the wide array of classes of agents used to treat myocardial pathologies. We examines delivery of pharmaceutical compounds, targeted gene transfection and cell implantation techniques to produce therapeutic effects locally. We outline therapeutic indications, successes and failures as well as technical approaches for LMD. Expert opinion: While LMD is more complicated than conventional oral or intravenous administration, given recent advances in interventional cardiology, it is safe and may provide better therapeutic outcomes. LMD is complex as many factors impact pharmacokinetics and biologic result. The choice between routes of LMD is largely driven not only by the myocardial pathology but also by the nature and physicochemical properties of the therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Maslov
- a Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Critical Care , Steward St. Elizabeth's Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Stephan Foianini
- a Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Critical Care , Steward St. Elizabeth's Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Mark Lovich
- a Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Critical Care , Steward St. Elizabeth's Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Eibel B, Markoski MM, Rodrigues CG, Dipp T, de Salles FB, Giusti II, Nardi NB, Plentz RDM, Kalil RAK. VEGF gene therapy cooperatively recruits molecules from the immune system and stimulates cell homing and angiogenesis in refractory angina. Cytokine 2016; 91:44-50. [PMID: 27997860 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New vessels are formed in response to stimuli from angiogenic factors, a process in which paracrine signaling is fundamental. OBJECTIVE To investigate the cooperative paracrine signaling profile in response to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) gene therapy in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and refractory angina. METHOD A cohort study was conducted in which plasma was collected from patients who underwent gene therapy with a plasmid expressing VEGF 165 (10) and from surgical procedure controls (4). Blood samples were collected from both groups prior to baseline and on days 3, 9 and 27 after the interventions and subjected to systemic analysis of protein expression (Interleukin-6, IL-6; Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, TNF-α; Interleukin-10, IL-10; Stromal Derived Factor-1 α, SDF-1α; VEGF; Angiopoietin-1, ANGPT-1; and Endothelin-1, ET-1) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Analysis showed an increase in proinflammatory IL-6 (p=0.02) and ET-1 (p=0.05) on day 3 after gene therapy and in VEGF (p=0.02) on day 9. A strong positive correlation was found between mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells and TNF-α on day 9 (r=0.71; p=0.03). Furthermore, a strong correlation between β-blockers, antiplatelets, and vasodilators with SDF-1α baseline in the group undergoing gene therapy was verified (r=0.74; p=0.004). CONCLUSION Analysis of cooperative paracrine signaling after VEGF gene therapy suggests that the immune system cell and angiogenic molecule expression as well as the endothelial progenitor cell mobilization are time-dependent, influenced by chronic inflammatory process and continuous pharmacological treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Eibel
- Laboratório de Cardiologia Molecular e Celular (Serviço de Medicina Experimental)/Secretaria de Cirurgia, Instituto de Cardiologia/Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia (IC/FUC), Brazil
| | - Melissa M Markoski
- Laboratório de Cardiologia Molecular e Celular (Serviço de Medicina Experimental)/Secretaria de Cirurgia, Instituto de Cardiologia/Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia (IC/FUC), Brazil
| | - Clarissa G Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Cardiologia Molecular e Celular (Serviço de Medicina Experimental)/Secretaria de Cirurgia, Instituto de Cardiologia/Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia (IC/FUC), Brazil
| | - Thiago Dipp
- Faculdade de Desenvolvimento do Rio Grande do Sul (FADERGS), Brazil
| | - Felipe B de Salles
- Instituto do Coração/Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (INCOR/FMUSP), Brazil
| | - Imarilde I Giusti
- Laboratório de Cardiologia Molecular e Celular (Serviço de Medicina Experimental)/Secretaria de Cirurgia, Instituto de Cardiologia/Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia (IC/FUC), Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo D M Plentz
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil
| | - Renato A K Kalil
- Laboratório de Cardiologia Molecular e Celular (Serviço de Medicina Experimental)/Secretaria de Cirurgia, Instituto de Cardiologia/Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia (IC/FUC), Brazil; Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu CB, Huang H, Sun P, Ma SZ, Liu AH, Xue J, Fu JH, Liang YQ, Liu B, Wu DY, Lü SH, Zhang XZ. Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Improve Left Ventricular Function, Perfusion, and Remodeling in a Porcine Model of Chronic Myocardial Ischemia. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 5:1004-13. [PMID: 27334487 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED : Stem cell therapy has emerged as a new strategy for treatment of ischemic heart disease. Although umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) have been used preferentially in the acute ischemia model, data for the chronic ischemia model are lacking. In this study, we investigated the effect of UC-MSCs originated from Wharton's jelly in the treatment of chronic myocardial ischemia in a porcine model induced by ameroid constrictor. Four weeks after ameroid constrictor placement, the surviving animals were divided randomly into two groups to undergo saline injection (n = 6) or UC-MSC transplantation (n = 6) through the left main coronary artery. Two additional intravenous administrations of UC-MSCs were performed in the following 2 weeks to enhance therapeutic effect. Cardiac function and perfusion were examined just before and at 4 weeks after intracoronary transplantation. The results showed that pigs with UC-MSC transplantation exhibited significantly greater left ventricular ejection fraction compared with control animals (61.3% ± 1.3% vs. 50.3% ± 2.0%, p < .05). The systolic thickening fraction in the infarcted left ventricular wall was also improved (41.2% ± 3.3% vs. 46.2% ± 2.3%, p < .01). Additionally, the administration of UC-MSCs promoted collateral development and myocardial perfusion. The indices of fibrosis and apoptosis were also significantly reduced. Immunofluorescence staining showed clusters of CM-DiI-labeled cells in the border zone, some of which expressed von Willebrand factor. These results suggest that UC-MSC treatment improves left ventricular function, perfusion, and remodeling in a porcine model with chronic myocardial ischemia. SIGNIFICANCE Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Many patients with chronic myocardial ischemia are not suitable for surgery and have no effective drug treatment; they are called "no-option" patients. This study finds that umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells transplanted by intracoronary delivery combined with two intravenous administrations was safe and could significantly improve left ventricular function, perfusion, and remodeling in a large-animal model of chronic myocardial ischemia, which provides a new choice for the no-option patients. In addition, this study used clinical-grade mesenchymal stem cells with delivery and assessment methods commonly used clinically to facilitate further clinical transformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Bin Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Anesthesia, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Sun
- Ivy Institute of Stem Cells Company Limited, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Ze Ma
- Ivy Institute of Stem Cells Company Limited, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - An-Heng Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Hui Fu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Qian Liang
- Ivy Institute of Stem Cells Company Limited, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Liu
- 307-Ivy Translational Medicine Center, Laboratory of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Ying Wu
- Ivy Institute of Stem Cells Company Limited, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang-Hong Lü
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cell Therapy in Ischemic Heart Disease: Interventions That Modulate Cardiac Regeneration. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:2171035. [PMID: 26880938 PMCID: PMC4736413 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2171035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of severe ischemic heart disease caused by coronary obstruction has progressively increased. Alternative forms of treatment have been studied in an attempt to regenerate myocardial tissue, induce angiogenesis, and improve clinical conditions. In this context, cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative using cells with regenerative potential, focusing on the release of paracrine and autocrine factors that contribute to cell survival, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Evidence of the safety, feasibility, and potential effectiveness of cell therapy has emerged from several clinical trials using different lineages of adult stem cells. The clinical benefit, however, is not yet well established. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of cell therapy in terms of regenerative and angiogenic capacity after myocardial ischemia. In addition, we addressed nonpharmacological interventions that may influence this therapeutic practice, such as diet and physical training. This review brings together current data on pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches to improve cell homing and cardiac repair.
Collapse
|
13
|
Sahebkar A, Ponziani MC, Goitre I, Bo S. Does statin therapy reduce plasma VEGF levels in humans? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Metabolism 2015; 64:1466-76. [PMID: 26347012 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of statins on plasma concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the main angiogenic growth factor with pro-inflammatory and atherogenic properties, is controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to obtain a conclusive result in humans. METHODS PubMed-Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify RCTs investigating the impact of statins on plasma VEGF concentrations. A random-effects model and the generic inverse variance method were used for quantitative data synthesis. Meta-regression, sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessments were performed using standard methods. RESULTS Eight RCTs examining the effects of statins on plasma VEGF concentrations were included. Meta-analysis suggested a significant reduction of plasma VEGF levels following statin therapy (weighed mean difference: -19.88 pg/mL, 95% CI: -35.87, -3.89, p=0.015). VEGF reductions were observed in the subsets of trials with treatment durations ≥4 weeks (-19.54, -37.78, -1.30, p=0.036), LDL-C reductions ≥50 mg/dL (-28.59, -43.68, -13.50, p<0.001), lipophilic statins (-22.31, -40.65, -3.98, p=0.017), and diseased populations (-21.08, -39.97, -2.18, p=0.029), but not in the opposite subsets. Meta-regression also suggested a significant association between changes in plasma VEGF levels and LDL-C changes, treatment duration, but not molar dose of statins. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a significant reduction in plasma VEGF concentrations following statin therapy. This effect depends on duration of treatment, LDL-lowering activity, lipophilicity of statins, and health status of studied individuals. Further RCTs are needed to explore if the VEGF reduction is implicated in the statin benefits on cardiovascular outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Research Centre, Royal Perth Hospital, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Maria Chantal Ponziani
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Hospital of Novara-University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Goitre
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Simona Bo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tseng CCS, Ramjankhan FZ, de Jonge N, Chamuleau SAJ. Advanced Strategies for End-Stage Heart Failure: Combining Regenerative Approaches with LVAD, a New Horizon? Front Surg 2015; 2:10. [PMID: 25905105 PMCID: PMC4387859 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2015.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the improved treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the population with end-stage heart failure (HF) is progressively growing. The scarcity of the gold standard therapy, heart transplantation, demands novel therapeutic approaches. For patients awaiting transplantation, ventricular-assist devices have been of great benefit on survival. To allow explantation of the assist device and obviate heart transplantation, sufficient and durable myocardial recovery is necessary. However, explant rates so far are low. Combining mechanical circulatory support with regenerative therapies such as cell (-based) therapy and biomaterials might give rise to improved long-term results. Although synergistic effects are suggested with mechanical support and stem cell therapy, evidence in both preclinical and clinical setting is lacking. This review focuses on advanced and innovative strategies for the treatment of end-stage HF and furthermore appraises clinical experience with combined strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheyenne C S Tseng
- Department of Cardiology, Division Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center , Utrecht , Netherlands ; Interuniversity Cardiology Institute of the Netherlands , Utrecht , Netherlands
| | - Faiz Z Ramjankhan
- Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Division Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center , Utrecht , Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas de Jonge
- Department of Cardiology, Division Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center , Utrecht , Netherlands
| | - Steven A J Chamuleau
- Department of Cardiology, Division Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center , Utrecht , Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Vascular endothelial growth factor: therapeutic possibilities and challenges for the treatment of ischemia. Cytokine 2014; 71:385-93. [PMID: 25240960 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a notable chemokine that plays critical roles in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The contemporary body of literature contains a substantial amount of information regarding its chemical properties as well as its fundamental role in vascular development. Studies strongly indicate its potential use as a therapeutic agent, especially in the vascular restoration of injured and ischemic tissues. VEGF therapy could be most beneficial for diseases whose pathologies revolve around tissue inflammation and necrosis, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, as well as ischemic bowel diseases such as acute mesenteric ischemia and necrotizing enterocolitis. However, a delicate balance exists between the therapeutic benefits of VEGF and the hazards of tumor growth and neo-angiogenesis. Effective future research surrounding VEGF may allow for the development of effective therapies for ischemia which simultaneously limit its more deleterious side effects. This review will: (1) summarize the current understanding of the molecular aspects and function of VEGF, (2) review potential benefits of its use in medical therapy, (3) denote its role in tumorigenesis and inflammation when overexpressed, and (4) elucidate the qualities which make it a viable compound of study for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Gene therapy attempts the insertion and expression of exogenous genetic material in cells for therapeutic purposes. Conceived in the 1960s, gene therapy reached its first clinical trial at the end of the 1980s and by December 2013 around 600 genuine open clinical trials of gene therapy were registered at NIH Clinical Trials Database. Here, we summarize the current efforts towards the development of gene therapy in Latin America. Our survey shows that the number of scientists involved in the development of gene therapy and DNA vaccines in Latin America is still very low. Higher levels of investment in this technology are necessary to boost the advancement of innovation and intellectual property in this field in a way that would ease both the social and financial burden of various medical conditions in Latin America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Linden
- Instituto de Biofísica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ursula Matte
- Centro de Terapia Gênica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ren J, Zhang P, Tian J, Zhou Z, Liu X, Wang D, Wang Z. A targeted ultrasound contrast agent carrying gene and cell-penetrating peptide: preparation and gene transfection in vitro. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2014; 121:362-70. [PMID: 24985759 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2014.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Targeted and high efficient gene delivery is a main issue in gene treatment. Taking advantage of ischemic memory target P-selectin and our previous study-synergistic effects of ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) and TAT peptide on gene transfection, which were characterized by targeted aggregation and high efficient gene transfection, we set up a 'smart' gene delivery system-targeted ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) carrying gene and cell-permeable peptides (CPP). Such UCA had a strong binding force with DNA which was protected from being hydrolysed by nuclease. Moreover, synergistic effects of UTMD and TAT peptide increased gene transfection. Specifically, the UCA were reacted with an ischemic memory target P-selectin overexpressed by ischemic issues (including ischemic heart disease) and loaded with gene and CPP, which enabled targeted localization and gene delivery to ischemic cells overexpressing P-selectin. We demonstrated their targeting affinity for hypoxia human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and gene transfection in vitro. The results of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed that gene and CPP were distributed on the shell of UCA. Red fluorescence was observed on the surface of targeted UCA using immunofluorescent microscopy, which demonstrated that the antibody was successfully connected to the UCA. The targeted UCA was specifically and tightly binded to hypoxia HUVEC, while there were no or little non-targeted UCA binding around hypoxia HUVEC. 24h after transfection, gene transfection efficiency detected by FCM was higher in targeted group than non-targeted group. Overall, the targeted UCA carrying gene and CPP was prepared successfully. It had a strong target binding capacity to hypoxia HUVEC and high efficient gene transfection, which maybe provide a novel strategy for gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Ren
- Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76, LinJiang Road, YuZhong District, Chongqing City 400010, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76, LinJiang Road, YuZhong District, Chongqing City 400010, China
| | - Ju Tian
- Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76, LinJiang Road, YuZhong District, Chongqing City 400010, China
| | - Zhiyi Zhou
- Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76, LinJiang Road, YuZhong District, Chongqing City 400010, China.
| | - Xingzhao Liu
- Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76, LinJiang Road, YuZhong District, Chongqing City 400010, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76, LinJiang Road, YuZhong District, Chongqing City 400010, China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- Institute of Ultrasound Imaging of Chongqing Medical University, Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 76, LinJiang Road, YuZhong District, Chongqing City 400010, China
| |
Collapse
|