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Gene therapy for atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis-related diseases

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Abstract

Gene therapy for atherosclerosis-related disorders of lipoprotein metabolism is primarily directed to liver and aims at long-lasting correction of familial hypercholesterolemia, lipoprotein / hepatic lipase deficiency, and Apolipoprotein A, B, or E -related diseases. Treatment of complications of atherosclerosis (eg, restenosis, ischemia) requires local gene transfer to arterial wall or ischemic muscle with transient gene expression. Catheter-mediated approach or direct injections have been used in clinical trials for the treatment of restenosis and for the induction of angiogenesis in ischaemic limb and myocardium. Other possible applications of local gene transfer include antithrombotic treatment and stabilization of vulnerable plaques.

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  1. A.I. Virtanen Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211, Kuopio, Finland

    Timo Pakkanen MD, PhD & Seppo Ylä-Herttuala MD, PhD

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  1. Timo Pakkanen MD, PhD
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  2. Seppo Ylä-Herttuala MD, PhD
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Pakkanen, T., Ylä-Herttuala, S. Gene therapy for atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis-related diseases. Curr Atheroscler Rep 1, 123–130 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-999-0008-8

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