Gene therapy in the cardiovascular system: an update

This update reviews the remarkable progression in several cardiovascular ge ne transfer domains. The first chemical gene therapy protocols to stimulate angiogenesis in ischemic myocardium are discussed and both the great expec tations as well as remaining hurdles are highlighted. In experimental model s of restenosis and heart failure gene therapy shows promising results. Imp ortant questions regarding vector-related limitations and suboptimal in viv o delivery systems will require expeditious attention for gene therapy to b ecome a more widely applicable option in cardiovascular diseases. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.