Neuroendocrinology of aging: The potential of gene therapy as an interventive strategy

Objective: This paper reviews the current status of gene therapy in the neu roendocrine system and discusses the interventive potential of this methodo logy for neuroendocrine pathologies associated with aging. Background and R esults: A brief description is first presented of the viral-vector-based ge ne delivery systems being currently used in the neuroendocrine system, name ly the adenoviral and herpetic (HSV1) vector systems. Next, an account of t he neuroendocrine pathologies for which gene therapy approaches in animal m odels are being implemented is provided. This includes the treatment of exp erimental pituitary tumors by adenoviral-vector-mediated transfer of the su icide gene for the HSV-1 thymidine kinase, At the hypothalamic level, an ad enovirus harboring the cDNA for arginine vasopressin has been used in Bratt leboro rats to correct their diabetes insipidus, Next, the interventive pot ential of gene therapy for correcting age-associated neurodegenerative proc esses at neuroendocrine level is outlined. Finally, the role that emerging technologies may play in the development of future genetic therapies for ag ing is considered. Conclusion: Although effective implementation of gene th erapy strategies still faces significant technical obstacles, these are lik ely to be progressively overcome as gene delivery systems are refined. Copy right (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.