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Gene therapy for vascular disease
1Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Insights
Gene therapy offers a promising approach to treat advanced atherosclerosis, addressing vascular proliferation and dysfunction. This review explores its potential for improving blood flow and managing ischemic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis involves endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and plaque formation, leading to ischemic syndromes.
- Advanced atherosclerotic lesions are poorly treated by current therapies, necessitating novel approaches.
- Plaque rupture and thrombosis can precipitate acute ischemic events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of gene therapy for atherosclerosis.
- To examine gene therapy's role in addressing vascular proliferation and endothelial dysfunction.
- To explore gene therapy applications for thrombosis, peripheral ischemia, and biomaterial interfaces.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on gene therapy for atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of studies focusing on gene delivery vectors and therapeutic targets.
- Evaluation of gene therapy's impact on vascular cell behavior and ischemic outcomes.
Main Results:
- Gene therapy demonstrates potential in modulating vascular cell proliferation and inflammatory responses.
- Studies show promise in restoring endothelial function and reducing thrombosis.
- Gene therapy approaches are being investigated for treating peripheral ischemia and improving biomaterial compatibility.
Conclusions:
- Gene therapy presents a viable strategy for treating complex atherosclerotic disease.
- Further research is needed to optimize delivery and efficacy for clinical application.
- Gene therapy holds potential to address limitations of traditional treatments for advanced atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a degenerative process characterized by endothelial cell dysfunction, inflammatory cell adhesion and infiltration, and the accumulation of cellular and matrix elements leading to the formation of fibrocellular plaques. In the end stages, advanced occlusive plaques limit blood flow and oxygen delivery resulting in the well-known ischemic syndromes of the coronary, skeletal muscle, mesenteric, and cerebrovascular circulation. Moreover, sudden critical ischemic events may be precipitated by plaque disturbance, rupture, hemorrhage, and/or thrombosis. Traditional pharmacologic approaches have been effective in reducing serum cholesterol and controlling thrombosis but, in the main, have had little impact on the treatment of advanced lesions. The purpose of this review is to examine the current status of gene therapy for vascular proliferation, aberrant endothelial function, thrombosis, peripheral ischemia, and modification of the blood/biomaterial interface.