VEGF gene therapy augments localized angiogenesis and promotes anastomotic wound healing: a pilot study in a clinically relevant animal model.
Abstract
Anastomotic leak related to ischemia is a source of significant morbidity and mortality in gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of this study was to apply growth factor gene transfection for the purpose of up-regulating angiogenesis, increasing anastomotic strength, and ultimately preventing dehiscence. An opossum esophagogastrostomy model was employed. The human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF(165)) gene was incorporated into a recombinant plasmid. The VEGF plasmid vector was then complexed with a cationic synthetic carrier, polyethyleneimine. Control animals received plasmid devoid of VEGF(165) (n = 6). The experimental group received VEGF(165) plasmid (n = 5). After esophagogastrectomy and gastric tubularization, plasmid was injected into the submucosa of the neoesophagus at the anastomotic site. Conduit arteriography was performed before and 10 days after injection. Euthanasia occurred on post-injection day 10 and the anastomosis was removed en bloc. A second group of animals treated with VEGF(165) were euthanized 30 and 37 days post injection. Blood flow was measured with laser-Doppler prior to euthanasia. Ex vivo anastomotic bursting pressure was performed. Tissue samples were procured for RNA extraction and von Wil...Continue Reading
References
Citations
Vascular endothelial growth factor expression following ischemic conditioning of the gastric conduit
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Arterial-Venous in Development & Disease
Arterial-venous development may play a crucial role in cardiovascular diseases. Here is the latest research.
CREs: Gene & Cell Therapy
Gene and cell therapy advances have shown promising outcomes for several diseases. The role of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) is crucial in the design of gene therapy vectors. Here is the latest research on CREs in gene and cell therapy.
Blood Clotting Disorders
Thrombophilia includes conditions with increased tendency for excessive blood clotting. Blood clotting occurs when the body has insufficient amounts of specialized proteins that make blood clot and stop bleeding. Here is the latest research on blood clotting disorders.