Gene therapy or angiogenesis, restenosis and related diseases

Gene therapy may be useful fur the treatment of atherosclerosis and related diseases. Gene transfer to vascular system can be performed both via intra vascular and extravascular routes. Gene transfer to other tissues, such as liver and muscle, can also be used. The first clinical trials for the induc tion of therapeutic angiogenesis with VEGF gene transfer are under way, and preliminary results are promising. In the prevention of restenosis genes i nhibiting cellular proliferation and increasing NO production, such as NOS and VEGF, have been used. However, more basic research is needed to fully u nderstand pathophysiological mechanisms involved in conditions related to a therosclerosis. Also, further developments in gene transfer vectors and gen e delivery techniques are required for the improvement of the efficacy of g ene therapy. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.