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Shimatani K, Sato H, Mizukami K, Saito A, Sasai M, Enmi JI, Watanabe K, Kamohara M, Yoshioka Y, Miyagawa S, Sawa Y. Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Pericyte-Like Cells Transduced with Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Promotes Angiogenic Recovery in Mice with Severe Chronic Hindlimb Ischemia. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s12265-024-10496-9. [PMID: 38376701 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-024-10496-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a state of severe peripheral artery disease, with no effective treatment. Cell therapy has been investigated as a therapeutic tool for CLI, and pericytes are promising therapeutic candidates based on their angiogenic properties. We firstly generated highly proliferative and immunosuppressive pericyte-like cells from embryonic stem (ES) cells. In order to enhance the angiogenic potential, we transduced the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) gene into the pericyte-like cells and found a significant enhancement of angiogenesis in a Matrigel plug assay. Furthermore, we evaluated the bFGF-expressing pericyte-like cells in the previously established chronic hindlimb ischemia model in which bone marrow-derived MSCs were not effective. As a result, bFGF-expressing pericyte-like cells significantly improved blood flow in both laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). These findings suggest that bFGF-expressing pericyte-like cells differentiated from ES cells may be a therapeutic candidate for CLI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Shimatani
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine Applied Cell Therapy Research, Astellas Pharma Incorporated, 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-Shi, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan.
| | - Hiromu Sato
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine Applied Cell Therapy Research, Astellas Pharma Incorporated, 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-Shi, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Mizukami
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine Applied Cell Therapy Research, Astellas Pharma Incorporated, 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-Shi, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Atsuhiro Saito
- Joint Research Chair On Design for Advanced Medical System, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masao Sasai
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Enmi
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) and Osaka University, 1-4 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kenichi Watanabe
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hyogo Medical University Hospital, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Masazumi Kamohara
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine Applied Cell Therapy Research, Astellas Pharma Incorporated, 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-Shi, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshichika Yoshioka
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) and Osaka University, 1-4 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shigeru Miyagawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Sawa
- Department of Future Medicine Division of Health Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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Guan X, Pei Y, Song J. DNA-Based Nonviral Gene Therapy─Challenging but Promising. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:427-453. [PMID: 38198640 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in utilizing nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA molecules, for therapeutic purposes. For DNA molecules, although various DNA delivery systems have been established, viral vector systems are the go-to choice for large-scale commercial applications. However, viral systems have certain disadvantages such as immune response, limited payload capacity, insertional mutagenesis and pre-existing immunity. In contrast, nonviral systems are less immunogenic, not size limited, safer, and easier for manufacturing compared with viral systems. What's more, nonviral DNA vectors have demonstrated their capacity to mediate specific protein expression in vivo for diverse therapeutic objectives containing a wide range of diseases such as cancer, rare diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases, yielding promising therapeutic outcomes. However, exogenous plasmid DNA is prone to degrade and has poor immunogenicity in vivo. Thus, various strategies have been developed: (i) designing novel plasmids with special structures, (ii) optimizing plasmid sequences for higher expression, and (iii) developing more efficient nonviral DNA delivery systems. Based on these strategies, many interesting clinical results have been reported. This Review discusses the development of DNA-based nonviral gene therapy, including novel plasmids, nonviral delivery systems, clinical advances, and prospects. These developments hold great potential for enhancing the efficacy and safety of nonviral gene therapy and expanding its applications in the treatment of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocai Guan
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yufeng Pei
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Jie Song
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
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Shimizu K. Development of an Improved Adenovirus Vector and Its Application to the Treatment of Lifestyle-Related Diseases. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:886-894. [PMID: 38692864 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The number of patients with lifestyle-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has continued to increase worldwide. Therefore, development of innovative therapeutic methods targeting lifestyle-related diseases is required. Gene therapy has attracted considerable attention as an advanced medical treatment. Safe and high-performance vectors are essential for the practical application of gene therapy. Replication-incompetent adenovirus (Ad) vectors are widely used in clinical gene therapy and basic research. Here, we developed a novel Ad vector, named Ad-E4-122aT, exhibiting higher and longer-term transgene expression and lower hepatotoxicity than conventional Ad vectors. We also elucidated the mechanisms underlying Ad vector-induced hepatotoxicity during the early phase using Ad-E4-122aT. Next, we examined the therapeutic effects of the genes of interest, namely zinc finger AN1-type domain 3 (ZFAND3), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and lysophospholipid acyltransferase 10 (LPLAT10), on lifestyle-related diseases using Ad-E4-122aT. We showed that the overexpression of ZFAND3 in the liver improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Liver-specific LPL overexpression suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation and improved glucose metabolism. LPLAT10 overexpression in the liver suppressed postprandial hyperglycemia by increasing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Furthermore, we also focused on foods to advance research on the pathophysiology and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases. Cranberry and calamondin, which are promising functional foods, attenuated the progression of MASLD/NAFLD. Our findings will aid the development of new therapeutic methods, including gene therapy, for lifestyle-related diseases such as T2DM and MASLD/NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kahori Shimizu
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
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Ribieras AJ, Ortiz YY, Li Y, Le NT, Huerta CT, Voza FA, Shao H, Vazquez-Padron RI, Liu ZJ, Velazquez OC. E-Selectin/AAV Gene Therapy Promotes Myogenesis and Skeletal Muscle Recovery in a Mouse Hindlimb Ischemia Model. Cardiovasc Ther 2023; 2023:6679390. [PMID: 37251271 PMCID: PMC10219778 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6679390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The response to ischemia in peripheral artery disease (PAD) depends on compensatory neovascularization and coordination of tissue regeneration. Identifying novel mechanisms regulating these processes is critical to the development of nonsurgical treatments for PAD. E-selectin is an adhesion molecule that mediates cell recruitment during neovascularization. Therapeutic priming of ischemic limb tissues with intramuscular E-selectin gene therapy promotes angiogenesis and reduces tissue loss in a murine hindlimb gangrene model. In this study, we evaluated the effects of E-selectin gene therapy on skeletal muscle recovery, specifically focusing on exercise performance and myofiber regeneration. C57BL/6J mice were treated with intramuscular E-selectin/adeno-associated virus serotype 2/2 gene therapy (E-sel/AAV) or LacZ/AAV2/2 (LacZ/AAV) as control and then subjected to femoral artery coagulation. Recovery of hindlimb perfusion was assessed by laser Doppler perfusion imaging and muscle function by treadmill exhaustion and grip strength testing. After three postoperative weeks, hindlimb muscle was harvested for immunofluorescence analysis. At all postoperative time points, mice treated with E-sel/AAV had improved hindlimb perfusion and exercise capacity. E-sel/AAV gene therapy also increased the coexpression of MyoD and Ki-67 in skeletal muscle progenitors and the proportion of Myh7+ myofibers. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that in addition to improving reperfusion, intramuscular E-sel/AAV gene therapy enhances the regeneration of ischemic skeletal muscle with a corresponding benefit on exercise performance. These results suggest a potential role for E-sel/AAV gene therapy as a nonsurgical adjunct in patients with life-limiting PAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine J. Ribieras
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Yulexi Y. Ortiz
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Nga T. Le
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Carlos T. Huerta
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Francesca A. Voza
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Hongwei Shao
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Roberto I. Vazquez-Padron
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Zhao-Jun Liu
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Omaida C. Velazquez
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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The Efficacy of HGF/VEGF Gene Therapy for Limb Ischemia in Mice with Impaired Glucose Tolerance: Shift from Angiogenesis to Axonal Growth and Oxidative Potential in Skeletal Muscle. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233824. [PMID: 36497083 PMCID: PMC9737863 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combined non-viral gene therapy (GT) of ischemia and cardiovascular disease is a promising tool for potential clinical translation. In previous studies our group has developed combined gene therapy by vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) + hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Our recent works have demonstrated that a bicistronic pDNA that carries both human HGF and VEGF165 coding sequences has a potential for clinical application in peripheral artery disease (PAD). The present study aimed to test HGF/VEGF combined plasmid efficacy in ischemic skeletal muscle comorbid with predominant complications of PAD-impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS Male C57BL mice were housed on low-fat (LFD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks and metabolic parameters including FBG level, ITT, and GTT were evaluated. Hindlimb ischemia induction and plasmid administration were performed at 10 weeks with 3 weeks for post-surgical follow-up. Limb blood flow was assessed by laser Doppler scanning at 7, 14, and 21 days after ischemia induction. The necrotic area of m.tibialis anterior, macrophage infiltration, angio- and neuritogenesis were evaluated in tissue sections. The mitochondrial status of skeletal muscle (total mitochondria content, ETC proteins content) was assessed by Western blotting of muscle lysates. RESULTS At 10 weeks, the HFD group demonstrated impaired glucose tolerance in comparison with the LFD group. HGF/VEGF plasmid injection aggravated glucose intolerance in HFD conditions. Blood flow recovery was not changed by HGF/VEGF plasmid injection either in LFD or HFD conditions. GT in LFD, but not in HFD conditions, enlarged the necrotic area and CD68+ cells infiltration. However, HGF/VEGF plasmid enhanced neuritogenesis and enlarged NF200+ area on muscle sections. In HFD conditions, HGF/VEGF plasmid injection significantly increased mitochondria content and ETC proteins content. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrated a significant role of dietary conditions in pre-clinical testing of non-viral GT drugs. HGF/VEGF combined plasmid demonstrated a novel aspect of potential participation in ischemic skeletal muscle regeneration, through regulation of innervation and bioenergetics of muscle. The obtained results made HGF/VEGF combined plasmid a very promising tool for PAD therapy in impaired glucose tolerance conditions.
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Han J, Luo L, Marcelina O, Kasim V, Wu S. Therapeutic angiogenesis-based strategy for peripheral artery disease. Theranostics 2022; 12:5015-5033. [PMID: 35836800 PMCID: PMC9274744 DOI: 10.7150/thno.74785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) poses a great challenge to society, with a growing prevalence in the upcoming years. Patients in the severe stages of PAD are prone to amputation and death, leading to poor quality of life and a great socioeconomic burden. Furthermore, PAD is one of the major complications of diabetic patients, who have higher risk to develop critical limb ischemia, the most severe manifestation of PAD, and thus have a poor prognosis. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop an effective therapeutic strategy to treat this disease. Therapeutic angiogenesis has raised concerns for more than two decades as a potential strategy for treating PAD, especially in patients without option for surgery-based therapies. Since the discovery of gene-based therapy for therapeutic angiogenesis, several approaches have been developed, including cell-, protein-, and small molecule drug-based therapeutic strategies, some of which have progressed into the clinical trial phase. Despite its promising potential, efforts are still needed to improve the efficacy of this strategy, reduce its cost, and promote its worldwide application. In this review, we highlight the current progress of therapeutic angiogenesis and the issues that need to be overcome prior to its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Han
- The Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.,State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Lailiu Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.,State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Olivia Marcelina
- The Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.,State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Vivi Kasim
- The Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.,State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Chongqing 400044, China.,The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Vivi Kasim, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; Phone: +86-23-65112672, Fax: +86-23-65111802, ; Shourong Wu, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; Phone: +86-23-65111632, Fax: +86-23-65111802,
| | - Shourong Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.,State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Chongqing 400044, China.,The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Vivi Kasim, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; Phone: +86-23-65112672, Fax: +86-23-65111802, ; Shourong Wu, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; Phone: +86-23-65111632, Fax: +86-23-65111802,
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Ribieras AJ, Ortiz YY, Li Y, Huerta CT, Le N, Shao H, Vazquez-Padron RI, Liu ZJ, Velazquez OC. E-Selectin/AAV2/2 Gene Therapy Alters Angiogenesis and Inflammatory Gene Profiles in Mouse Gangrene Model. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:929466. [PMID: 35783833 PMCID: PMC9243393 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.929466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia and limited revascularization options, alternate means for therapeutic angiogenesis and limb salvage are needed. E-selectin is a cell adhesion molecule that is critical for inflammation and neovascularization in areas of wound healing and ischemia. Here, we tested the efficacy of modifying ischemic limb tissue by intramuscular administration of E-selectin/AAV2/2 (adeno-associated virus serotype 2/2) to modulate angiogenic and inflammatory responses in a murine hindlimb gangrene model. Limb appearance, reperfusion, and functional recovery were assessed for 3 weeks after induction of ischemia. Mice receiving E-selectin/AAV2/2 gene therapy had reduced gangrene severity, increased limb and footpad perfusion, enhanced recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells, and improved performance on treadmill testing compared to control group. Histologically, E-selectin/AAV2/2 gene therapy was associated with increased vascularity and preserved myofiber integrity. E-selectin/AAV2/2 gene therapy also upregulated a panel of pro-angiogenic genes yet downregulated another group of genes associated with the inflammatory response. This novel gene therapy did not induce adverse effects on coagulability, or hematologic, hepatic, and renal function. Our findings highlight the potential of E-selectin/AAV2/2 gene therapy for improving limb perfusion and function in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine J. Ribieras
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Yulexi Y. Ortiz
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Yan Li
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Carlos T. Huerta
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Nga Le
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Hongwei Shao
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Roberto I. Vazquez-Padron
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Zhao-Jun Liu
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Zhao-Jun Liu
| | - Omaida C. Velazquez
- Division of Vascular Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Omaida C. Velazquez
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Ribieras AJ, Ortiz YY, Liu ZJ, Velazquez OC. Therapeutic angiogenesis in Buerger's disease: reviewing the treatment landscape. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2022; 3:26330040211070295. [PMID: 37180424 PMCID: PMC10032470 DOI: 10.1177/26330040211070295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Thromboangiitis obliterans, also known as Buerger's disease, is a rare inflammatory vasculitis that predominantly develops in smokers and characteristically affects the small- and medium-sized peripheral arteries and veins. Patients typically present with extremity claudication, but symptoms may progress to rest pain and tissue loss, especially in those unable to abstain from tobacco use. Unfortunately, traditional medical treatments are largely ineffective and due to the small caliber of affected vessels and lack of suitable distal targets or venous conduits, endovascular and open surgical approaches are often not possible. Eventually, a significant number of patients require major amputation. For these reasons, much research effort has been made in developing techniques of therapeutic angiogenesis to improve limb perfusion, both for atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease and the smaller subset of patients with critical limb ischemia due to Buerger's disease. Neovascularization in response to ischemia relies on a complex interplay between the local tissue microenvironment and circulating stem and progenitor cells. To date, studies of therapeutic angiogenesis have therefore focused on exploiting known angiogenic factors and stem cells to induce neovascularization in ischemic tissues. This review summarizes the available clinical data regarding the safety and efficacy of various angiogenic therapies, notably injection of naked DNA plasmids, viral gene constructs, and cell-based preparations, and describes techniques for potentiating in vivo efficacy of gene- and cell-based therapies as well as ongoing developments in exosome-based cell-free approaches for therapeutic angiogenesis. Plain Language Title and Summary A review of available and emerging treatments for improving blood flow and wound healing in patients with Buerger's disease, a rare disorder of blood vessels Buerger's disease is a rare disorder of the small- and medium-sized blood vessels in the arms and legs that almost exclusively develops in young smokers. Buerger's disease causes inflammation in arteries and veins, which leads to blockage of these vessels and reduces blood flow to and from the extremities. Decreased blood flow to the arms and legs can lead to development of nonhealing wounds and infection for which some patients may eventually require amputation. Unfortunately, traditional medical and surgical treatments are not effective in Buerger's disease, so other methods for improving blood flow are needed for these patients. There are several different ways to stimulate new blood vessel formation, both in humans and animal models. The most common treatments involve injection of DNA or viruses that express genes related to blood vessel formation or, alternatively, stem cell-based treatments that help regenerate blood vessels and repair wound tissue. This review explores how safe and effective these various treatments are and describes recent research developments that may lead to better therapies for patients with Buerger's disease and other vascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine J. Ribieras
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery,
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yulexi Y. Ortiz
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery,
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Zhao-Jun Liu
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery,
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, RMSB 1046, 1600 NW 10th
Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA. Vascular Biology Institute, University of
Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Omaida C. Velazquez
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery,
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami,
FL 33136, USA. Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami Miller School
of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Wang X, Yan L, Tang Y, He X, Zhao X, Liu W, Wu Z, Luo G. Anti-inflammatory effect of HGF responses to oral traumatic ulcers using an HGF-Tg mouse model. Exp Anim 2021; 71:204-213. [PMID: 34819402 PMCID: PMC9130041 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.21-0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been implicated in inhibiting diverse types of inflammation. Oral traumatic ulceration (OTU) is a common disease of the oral mucosa, and inflammation is
the main process for ulcer healing. This study aimed to explore the expression of HGF in oral ulcers and its role in ulcer inflammation. The saliva of 14 recurrent alphous stomatitis (RAS)
patients, 18 OTU patients and 17 healthy controls was collected. Traumatic ulcers of the left mucosa were observed in 42 wild-type (WT) and 42 HGF-overexpressing transgenic (HGF-Tg) mice.
Histological scores, inflammatory cell expression and serum cytokine expression were measured and analyzed on the 5th day. The HGF protein level in ulcer-affected human saliva was 9.3-fold
higher than that in healthy saliva. The HGF protein levels in RAS and OTU saliva were 14- and 5.7-fold higher, respectively, than those in healthy saliva. Traumatic ulcers enhanced HGF
expression in ulcer-affected oral mucosa and in the blood of C57BL/6 mice by 1.21- and 1.40-fold, respectively. In HGF-Tg mouse traumatic ulcers, HGF expression was 1.34-fold higher than
that in wild-type mice. HGF-Tg mice had lower weight loss, less ulcer area and lower histopathology scores than WT mice. The results from immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and serum
cytokine analysis showed that HGF-Tg animals presented fewer Ly6G-positive neutrophils and higher levels of circulating inflammatory cytokines. HGF overexpression alleviated weight loss,
ulcer area and inflammation, suggesting the role of HGF in promoting the healing of oral ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Wang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research in Oral Regenerative Medicine
| | - Liting Yan
- Department of Oral Medicine, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research in Oral Regenerative Medicine.,Wuxi Stomatology Hospital
| | - Yinghua Tang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research in Oral Regenerative Medicine
| | - Xiaoxi He
- Department of Oral Medicine, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research in Oral Regenerative Medicine
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Oral Medicine, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research in Oral Regenerative Medicine
| | - Weijia Liu
- Department of Oral Medicine, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research in Oral Regenerative Medicine
| | - Zhicong Wu
- Department of Oral Medicine, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research in Oral Regenerative Medicine
| | - Gang Luo
- Department of Oral Medicine, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research in Oral Regenerative Medicine
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A Thermoresponsive Chitosan/β-Glycerophosphate Hydrogel for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Critical Limb Ischaemia. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13203568. [PMID: 34685327 PMCID: PMC8539345 DOI: 10.3390/polym13203568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A reduction in blood supply to any limb causes ischaemia, pain and morbidity. Critical limb ischaemia is the most serious presentation of peripheral vascular disease. One in five patients with critical limb ischaemia will die within six months of diagnosis and one in three will require amputation in this time. Improving blood flow to the limb, via the administration of angiogenic agents, could relieve pain and avoid amputation. Herein, chitosan is combined with β-glycerophosphate to form a thermoresponsive formulation (chitosan/β-GP) that will flow through a syringe and needle at room temperature but will form a gel at body temperature. The chitosan/β-GP hydrogel, with or without the angiogenic molecule desferrioxamine (DFO), was injected into the mouse hind limb, following vessel ligation, to test the ability of the formulations to induce angiogenesis. The effects of the formulations were measured using laser Doppler imaging to determine limb perfusion and CD31 staining to quantify the number of blood vessels. Twenty-eight days following induction of ischaemia, the chitosan/β-GP and chitosan/β-GP + 100 µM DFO formulations had significantly (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) improved blood flow in the ischaemic limb compared with an untreated control. Chitosan/β-GP increased vessel number by 1.7-fold in the thigh of the ischaemic limb compared with an untreated control, while chitosan/β-GP + 100 µM DFO increased vessel number 1.8-fold. Chitosan/β-GP represents a potential minimally invasive treatment for critical limb ischaemia.
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Tarantul VZ, Gavrilenko AV. Gene therapy for critical limb ischemia: Per aspera ad astra. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:214-227. [PMID: 34254916 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210712185742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral artery diseases remain a serious public health problem. Although there are many traditional methods for their treatment using conservative therapeutic techniques and surgery, gene therapy is an alternative and potentially more effective treatment option especially for "no option" patients. This review treats the results of many years of research and application of gene therapy as an example of treatment of patients with critical limb ischemia. Data on successful and unsuccessful attempts to use this technology for treating this disease are presented. Trends in changing the paradigm of approaches to therapeutic angiogenesis are noted: from viral vectors to non-viral vectors, from gene transfer to the whole organism to targeted transfer to cells and tissues, from single gene use to combination of genes; from DNA therapy to RNA therapy, from in vivo therapy to ex vivo therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vyacheslav Z Tarantul
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Institute of Molecular Genetics, Moscow 123182, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander V Gavrilenko
- A.V.¬ Petrovsky Russian Scientific Center for Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
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12
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Gu Y, Cui S, Liu C, Zhao J, Li M, Li Y, Yang X, Lv B, Li M, Zhao W, Guo W, Huang J, Huang W, Qiu Z, Zhao J, Yin P, Qin T, Zhu D, Sun W, Ren K, Lu Y, Cheng X, Du L, Xiao F, Zhang Q, Wu Z. pUDK-HGF Gene Therapy to Relieve CLI Rest Pain and Ulcer: A Phase II, Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:839-849. [PMID: 33726499 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This phase II clinical trial investigated the efficacy and safety of intramuscular injection of plasmid pUDK-HGF, which encodes the human hepatocyte growth factor gene in patients with critical limb ischemia. Resting pain patients (n = 119) and patients with leg ulcers (n = 121) were enrolled as two cohorts and randomized to receive pUDK-HGF treatment on days 0, 14, and 28. In the resting pain cohort, the proportion of patients with complete pain relief on day 180 after receiving pUDK-HGF injection, as the primary outcome, was significantly higher than that of the placebo group on the same day (p = 0.0148). More responders with >50% pain reduction were also observed in the pUDK-HGF groups than in the placebo groups (p = 0.0168). In the ulcer cohort of patients, pUDK-HGF treatment tended to be superior to the placebo in the percentage of patients with both complete ulcer healing and >50% ulcer healing. No significant differences in the incidence of adverse events (AEs) or serious AEs were observed among the groups. The mid-dose pUDK-HGF (6 mg) was the most efficacious, and is therefore an appropriate dose for use in a phase III clinical trial. This study was approved by the China Food and Drug Administration (2013L00637), China Clinical Trial Registry URL: www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn. Unique Identifier: 20130378.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongquan Gu
- Vascular Surgery Department, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shijun Cui
- Vascular Surgery Department, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Changjian Liu
- Vascular Surgery Department, Nanjin Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jichun Zhao
- Vascular Surgery Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Li
- Vascular Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Li
- Vascular Surgery Department, Wuhan Union Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinglong Yang
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bonan Lv
- General Surgery Department, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mingzhang Li
- General Surgery Department, Baotou Central Hospital, Baotou, China
| | - Wenguang Zhao
- Vascular Surgery Department, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Vascular Surgery Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Vascular Surgery Department, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen Huang
- Vascular Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqin Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenming Qiu
- General Surgery Department, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- General Surgery Department, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Yin
- School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Qin
- School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Humanwell Healthcare (Group) Co. Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Humanwell Healthcare (Group) Co. Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Keyun Ren
- Humanwell Healthcare (Group) Co. Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Yuxin Lu
- Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Cheng
- Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Li Du
- Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengjun Xiao
- Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qinglin Zhang
- Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zuze Wu
- Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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13
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Li C, Kitzerow O, Nie F, Dai J, Liu X, Carlson MA, Casale GP, Pipinos II, Li X. Bioengineering strategies for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:684-696. [PMID: 33005831 PMCID: PMC7511653 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a progressive atherosclerotic disorder characterized by narrowing and occlusion of arteries supplying the lower extremities. Approximately 200 million people worldwide are affected by PAD. The current standard of operative care is open or endovascular revascularization in which blood flow restoration is the goal. However, many patients are not appropriate candidates for these treatments and are subject to continuous ischemia of their lower limbs. Current research in the therapy of PAD involves developing modalities that induce angiogenesis, but the results of simple cell transplantation or growth factor delivery have been found to be relatively poor mainly due to difficulties in stem cell retention and survival and rapid diffusion and enzymolysis of growth factors following injection of these agents in the affected tissues. Biomaterials, including hydrogels, have the capability to protect stem cells during injection and to support cell survival. Hydrogels can also provide a sustained release of growth factors at the injection site. This review will focus on biomaterial systems currently being investigated as carriers for cell and growth factor delivery, and will also discuss biomaterials as a potential stand-alone method for the treatment of PAD. Finally, the challenges of development and use of biomaterials systems for PAD treatment will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Li
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program and Department of Neurological Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, United States
| | - Oliver Kitzerow
- Department of Genetics Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, United States
| | - Fujiao Nie
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program and Department of Neurological Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, United States
| | - Jingxuan Dai
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program and Department of Neurological Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, United States
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program and Department of Neurological Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, United States
| | - Mark A. Carlson
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, United States
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, United States
- Omaha VA Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68105, United States
| | - George P. Casale
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, United States
| | - Iraklis I. Pipinos
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, United States
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program and Department of Neurological Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, United States
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Tang R, Xu Z. Gene therapy: a double-edged sword with great powers. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 474:73-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03834-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Biao Jia
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhi-Yao He
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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