Individuals with chronic vascular disease can benefit from echo-mediated gene therapy

Researchers today announced the results of a study that show echocardiography can improve the success rate of gene therapy and increase growth, function and sustainability of regenerated vessels. The study will be presented at the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) 22nd Annual Scientific Sessions, June 11-15, 2011.

"This study showed that echo-mediated gene therapy will be beneficial for individuals suffering from chronic vascular disease," said Alexandra Smith, from Howard Leong-Poi's lab at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto.

Gene therapy is the insertion, alteration, or removal of genes within an individual's cells and biological tissues to treat disease. Researchers hypothesized that a strategy of multi-gene therapy using a combination of vascular growth factors would improve blood flow to muscle with chronically compromised flow. In this study, cardiovascular ultrasound with carrier microbubble agents was used to enhance gene delivery to rats with chronic vascular occlusion. Results showed an increased and sustained level of blood flow, vessel density and flow reserve.

"We now know that multi-gene delivery at separate time-points results in improved stability and functionality of new blood vessels," said Ms. Smith. "If our research is successful, the improvement in blood flow and flow reserve that we found could potentially translate to improved exercise tolerance and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of North Americans suffering from peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease."