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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

In Vivo Gene Transfer to the Rabbit Common Carotid Artery Endothelium
Published on: May 6, 2018
Gene therapy of atherosclerosis
E Vähäkangas1, S Ylä-Herttuala
1Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, AI Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Kuopio, Finland.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis and related diseases are the leading cause of death in Western world. The disease process begins with the formation of fatty streaks already during the first decade of life but does not manifest clinically until several decades later. Gene therapy is a potential new way to target multiple factors playing a role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. A great number of genes involved in the development of atherosclerosis have been identified and have been tested both in vitro and in vivo as potential new targets for therapy. Pre-clinical experiments have shown the feasibility and safety of several gene therapy applications for the treatment of atherosclerosis and clinical trials have also provided evidence for the applicability of gene therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this review we discuss vectors and potential gene therapy approaches for intervention and therapy of atherosclerosis.
Insights
Gene therapy offers a promising approach to combat atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death. Research explores various gene targets and delivery methods for treating this complex cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a primary cause of mortality globally, initiating early in life but manifesting clinically much later.
- Current therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis are limited in addressing its multifactorial nature.
- Gene therapy presents a novel avenue for targeting the complex genetic and molecular underpinnings of atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current gene therapy strategies for atherosclerosis.
- To discuss potential vectors and gene targets for therapeutic intervention.
- To evaluate the preclinical and clinical evidence for gene therapy in cardiovascular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo) on gene therapy for atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of clinical trial data on gene therapy applications in cardiovascular diseases.
- Discussion of various gene therapy vectors and approaches.
Main Results:
- Numerous genes implicated in atherosclerosis development have been identified as potential therapeutic targets.
- Preclinical studies demonstrate the feasibility and safety of gene therapy for atherosclerosis.
- Clinical trials indicate the potential applicability of gene therapy for cardiovascular disease treatment.
Conclusions:
- Gene therapy holds significant promise for treating atherosclerosis by targeting multiple contributing factors.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to optimize gene therapy approaches for cardiovascular health.
- Gene therapy represents a potential paradigm shift in managing atherosclerosis and related conditions.
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