Biomedical subjects

Yasuhiko Tabata

Publications and source records attributed to Yasuhiko Tabata.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Targeting of plasmid DNA to renal interstitial fibroblasts by cationized gelatin.

Renal interstitial fibrosis is the common pathway of chronic renal disease, while it causes end-stage renal failure. A lot of cytokines and biologically active substances are well recognized to be the candidates of primary mediators to induce accumulation of extracelluar matrix (ECM) in the interstitial fibrotic area. Interstitial fibroblasts are played a crucial role in the accumulation of excess ECM during renal interstitial fibrogenesis. Therefore, the targeting of therapeutic drugs and genes to interstitial renal fibroblasts is effective in suppressing the progress of interstitial renal failure. However, despite various approaches and techniques, few successful results have been reported on the in vivo targeting for interstitial fibroblasts. The objective of this study is to deliver an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) plasmid DNA, as a model plasmid DNA, into renal interstitial space by a cationized gelatin. After the plasmid DNA with or without complexation of the cationized gelatin was injected to the left kidney of mice via the ureter, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was performed for the mice injected to induce the renal interstitial fibrosis. When the EGFP plasmid DNA complexed with the cationized gelatin was injected, EGFP expression was observed in the fibroblasts in the interstitial area of renal cortex. It is concluded that the retrograde injection of EGFP plasmid DNA complexed with the cationized gelatin is available to target the interstitial renal fibroblasts which are currently considered as the cell source responsible for excessive ECM synthesis.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Effect of aminated gelatin on the nasal absorption of insulin in rats.

Absorption enhancers, which increase the permeability of drugs through epithelial membranes without damaging them, are especially useful for intranasal administration of peptide drugs. In this study, aminated gelatins, candidate enhancers, having different numbers of amino groups were prepared from gelatin (H-gelatin, isoelectric point = 9.0, MW 100 kDa) and a partial gelatin hydrolysate (L-gelatin, isoelectric point = 8.0, MW 5 kDa), and the enhancing effects on the nasal absorption of insulin, used as a model peptide drug, and 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (CF), a paracellular marker, were examined in rats. The enhancing effect on insulin and CF depends on the MW and number of amino groups. A high correlation between the enhancing effects on insulin and CF was observed and this suggests that an increase in the paracellular permeability is the mechanism governing the nasal absorption-enhancement of aminated gelatins, at least as far as insulin and CF are concerned. The enhancing mechanism might be shared with other cationic polymers having absorption-enhancing effects.

Administration, Intranasal↗

PubMed2005

Fibroblast growth factor-2 induces recovery of pulmonary blood flow in canine emphysema models.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 is one of the most powerful angiogenic growth factors to be evaluated as an agent for the promotion of angiogenesis. The aim of this study is to investigate whether intratracheal administration of controlled-release FGF-2 microspheres restores pulmonary function in beagle dogs with emphysema. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, experimental animal study. SUBJECTS: Eighteen Wister rats and 15 adult beagle dogs. METHODS: In the rat study, we compared the time profiles of the radioactivity remaining after intratracheal injection of 125I-labeled FGF-2, either incorporated with the controlled-release microspheres or as an aqueous solution. In the dog study, elastase-induced emphysema models were developed in 10 animals, classified into the following three groups: control group (n = 5), emphysema model with empty microspheres-treated group (FGF - group, n = 5), and emphysema model with FGF-2 containing microspheres-treated group (FGF + group, n = 5). RESULTS: In the rat study, controlled-release microspheres maintained higher whole-lung FGF-2 concentrations after intratracheal administration. In the dog study, Pa(O2) in the FGF + group was significantly higher than in the FGF - group after treatment. Pulmonary perfusion dynamic MRI revealed significant improvement in the signal intensity of damaged lung with the FGF + group. Linear intercept of the FGF + group was significantly reduced than the FGF - group. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that intratracheal administration of FGF-2 induced an increase in pulmonary blood flow in the damaged lung and led to recovery of pulmonary function. The controlled-release microsphere system increased the effectiveness of FGF-2.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Nanomaterials of drug delivery systems for tissue regeneration.

A new therapeutic trial aimed at assisting tissue regeneration at a body defect in size too large for self-repair has recently begun. The objective is to substitute the biological functions of damaged and injured organs by taking advantage of cells. For successful tissue regeneration, it is absolutely indispensable not only to have cells of high proliferation and differentiation potential, but also to create an environment suitable for inducing regeneration. Such creation can be artificially achieved only by providing various biomaterials to promote cell proliferation and differentiation, such as cell scaffold and growth factors. Growth factors are often required to promote tissue regeneration because they can induce angiogenesis, which promotes a sufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to effectively maintain the biological functions of cells transplanted for organ substitution. However, because of their poor in vivo stability, the biological effects of growth factors cannot always be expected unless these drug delivery systems (DDSs) are contrived. In this chapter, several research approaches to tissue regeneration are reviewed to emphasize the significance of biomaterials and DDS technologies in regenerative medicine.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

[Present status of regenerative medical therapy and its potential in dentistry].

A new medical therapy that clinically treats disease by making use of the potential of cells for proliferation and differentiation has been tried. To realize this medical therapy of cell-based tissue regeneration, or so-called regenerative medical therapy, it is indispensable to develop a biomedical technology or methodology of tissue engineering that enables cells to enhance their proliferation and differentiation, leading to induction of tissue regeneration. This paper overviews this tissue engineering (TE) and the present status of TE-based regenerative medical therapy. There are four fundamental technologies in TE: 1) the scaffolding for cell proliferation and differentiation, 2) the isolation and culturing of cells, 3) the drug delivery system (DDS) of growth factor, and 4) the maintenance of space to induce tissue regeneration. The TE technologies are briefly explained and concrete examples of in vitro and in vivo tissue regeneration induction are introduced. The collagen sponges of cell scaffold and gelatin hydrogels incorporating various growth factors for controlled release enabled the regeneration induction of various tissues. Tissue engineering of cell scaffolding and DDS technologies that provide cells with a local environment suitable to induce tissue regeneration, is important to realize regenerative medical therapy.

Drug Delivery Systems↗

PubMed2005

Accelerated embolization healing of aneurysms by polyethylene terephthalate coils seeded with autologous fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop a therapeutic system of aneurysm embolization on the basis of organization of fibrous tissue. The healing process of aneurysms by means of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber coils seeded with autologous fibroblasts was evaluated. METHODS: The aneurysm was prepared at the common carotid artery of 42 rabbits by end-to-side anastomosis of the jugular vein pouch. PET fiber coils seeded with or without autologous fibroblasts were applied to the aneurysm. Assessment of the tissue appearance and histological examination were performed 3 and 5 weeks after application to evaluate the area embolized by fibrous organization in the aneurysm and the neointima formation at the aneurysm orifice. RESULTS: An agitated seeding method enabled autologous fibroblasts to attach and proliferate homogeneously on the PET fiber coil. In contrast to the PET fiber coil, the PET fiber coil seeded with autologous fibroblasts accelerated the organization of fibrous tissue in the aneurysm and time to achieve aneurysm embolization. The aneurysm orifice was closed with neointima formed. The aneurysm was histologically embolized with newly formed fibrous tissue, and the area embolized was significantly larger than that of nontreated and the PET fiber coil-treated groups. The orifice was completely covered with endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: The PET fiber coil seeded with autologous fibroblasts is a promising tool for healing aneurysms using embolization therapy by tissue organization.

Balloon Occlusion↗

PubMed2004

In vivo anti-tumor effect of dual release of cisplatin and adriamycin from biodegradable gelatin hydrogel.

The objective of this paper is to investigate the in vivo anti-tumor effect by dual release of cisplatin (CDDP) and adriamycin (ADM) from a biodegradable hydrogel. Hydrogels with different water contents were prepared through the chemical crosslinking of gelatin by various concentrations of glutaraldehyde. Aqueous solution of CDDP, ADM or their mixture (CDDP+ADM) was impregnated into the freeze-dried hydrogel, followed by air-drying to obtain the dried hydrogel incorporating the corresponding drug. Irrespective of the hydrogel water content, 8-20% of CDDP incorporated and 60-80% of ADM was released from the hydrogel in the phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) at 37 degrees C within the initial 6 h and thereafter little release was observed. When intratumorally applied into mice carrying a mass of Meth-AR-1 tumor cells, the hydrogel incorporating CDDP+ADM showed significant higher anti-tumor effect on the tumor growth suppression and on survival period than other drug applications. Combination effect assay revealed that the hydrogel incorporating CDDP+ADM showed a synergistic effect between the CDDP and ADM, while the solution form showed antagonistic. The concentration of CDDP and ADM in the tumor tissue maintained at higher levels over 14 days after application. The time course of in vivo CDDP retention was in a good accordance with that of hydrogel remaining, whereas ADM was released faster, followed by the sustained release for 14 days. No practically problematic change in the mouse body and blood biochemical parameters was observed by application of the hydrogel incorporating CDDP+ADM. We conclude that dual sustained release of CDDP and ADM attached to the tumor synergistically enhanced their in vivo anti-tumor effect through the trans-tissue delivery.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Efficacy and cytotoxicity of cationic-agent-mediated nonviral gene transfer into osteoblasts.

Ex vivo gene transfer into osteoblastic cells is an advantageous strategy for bone tissue engineering. This study investigated the efficacy and cytotoxicity of in vitro cationic-agent-mediated nonviral gene transfer into osteoblasts. Various cationic agents, lipid, gelatin, and polyethylenimine (PEI) were tested. Each was formulated in various concentrations to form a complex with plasmid DNA encoding red fluorescent protein. The cationic agent/DNA complexes were transfected into human fetal osteoblastic cell line and rat bone-marrow-derived primary osteoblasts, as well as NIH 3T3 fibroblast controls. Rat primary osteoblasts were transfected more with cationic lipid and PEI agents than with gelatin carrier, yielding transfection efficacy up to 18.1% and 12.7 %, respectively. In contrast, human fetal osteoblastic cell line was transfected more with cationic lipid and gelatin than with PEI. There was a positive correlation between the lipid and PEI doses and cytotoxicity. When the lipid and PEI were used to transfect the rat primary osteoblasts in a dose that yielded the highest transfection efficacy, cell survival rates decreased as low as 40%. When their transfection efficacies into primary osteoblasts were compromised at two thirds of the highest value, that is, 12.6% and 8.3% for the lipid and PEI, respectively, the cell survival rate was nearly 80%. Cationic gelatin was associated with cell survival rates over 60 % in any cell type, regardless of the doses tested. These results suggest that different types of osteoblastic cells may possess different ability to the uptake and expression of cationic-agent-bound DNA. There seemed to be agent-specific threshold doses that dropped the cell survival rate. Cationic-agent-mediated nonviral gene transfer into osteoblastic cells may be successful when the agent- and dose-dependent transfection efficacy and cytotoxicity are optimized.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Gelatin hydrogel microspheres enable pinpoint delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor for the development of functional collateral vessels.

BACKGROUND: Various growth factors promote collateral vessel development and are regarded as promising for the treatment of vascular occlusive diseases. However, an efficacious delivery system for them has yet to be established. We devised a strategy to augment functional collateral vessels by using acidic gelatin hydrogel microspheres (AGHMs) incorporating basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that by intra-arterial (IA) administration of bFGF-impregnated AGHMs, bFGF could be delivered from AGHMs trapped in distal small-diameter vessels and thereby induce functional collateral vessels with an assured blood supply through the process of arteriogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Various sizes of AGHMs (3 mg) incorporating 125I-labeled bFGF were injected into the left internal iliac artery of a rabbit model of hindlimb ischemia. Less than 50% of radioactivity accumulated in the ischemic hindlimb after injection of AGHMs that were 10 mum in diameter, whereas approximately 80% of radioactivity was counted in the ischemic limb after administration of 29- or 59-microm-diameter AGHMs. Calf blood pressure ratio and the ratio of regional blood flow of the bilateral hindlimbs immediately before and after IA administration of 29-microm-diameter AGHMs showed no significant change. Then we evaluated the function of the developed collateral vessels 28 days after IA administration of bFGF-impregnated, 29-microm-diameter AGHMs. IA administration of bFGF-impregnated AGHMs induced marked collateral vessel improvement compared with IA administration of phosphate buffered saline-treated AGHMs and intramuscular administration of bFGF-impregnated AGHMs. CONCLUSIONS: IA administration of bFGF-impregnated, 29-microm-diameter AGHMs strongly induced functional collateral vessels without worsening ischemia, indicating the possible therapeutic usefulness of this approach.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Type I collagen can function as a reservoir of basic fibroblast growth factor.

Storage and release of endogenous growth factors by the extracellular matrix (ECM) are important biological events that control tissue homeostasis and regeneration. The interaction between basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and heparan sulfate proteoglycans has been extensively studied and used as a prototype model of such a system, while the lower affinity of fibrillar type I collagen for bFGF has generally been considered biologically insignificant. However, our present investigation revealed that bFGF spontaneously interacts with type I collagen solution and sponges under in vitro and in vivo physiological conditions, and is protected from the proteolytic environment by the collagen. bFGF incorporated in a collagen sponge sheet was sustainedly released in the mouse subcutis according to the biodegradation of the sponge matrix, and exhibited local angiogenic activity in a dose-dependent manner. Intramuscular injection of collagen microsponges incorporating bFGF induced a significant increase in the blood flow in the murine ischemic hindlimb, which could never have been attained by bolus injection of bFGF. These results suggest the significance and therapeutic utility of type I collagen as a reservoir of bFGF.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

In vitro induction of adult hepatic progenitor cells into insulin-producing cells.

Organ-specific stem cells are the natural progenitors in tissue regeneration and possess plasticity to differentiate into specialized cells in adult tissues. Small hepatocytes (SHCs) identified in the adult liver are one such cell type. Here we show that SHCs, which are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into hepatocytes, can be induced to generate insulin-producing cells under appropriate culture conditions. These differentiated cells express pancreatic beta cell differentiation-related transcripts and hepatocyte differentiation-related transcripts, as shown by reverse-transcription PCR/nested PCR. In addition, enforced expression of the homeodomain transcription factor Pdx1 in these cells contributes to enhancement of insulin release in response to insulin secretagogues. These results indicate that the SHCs described here have the ability to differentiate into insulin-producing cells, and further support the idea that engineering to generate insulin-secreting cells could provide a useful resource for future therapies for diabetes mellitus.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Pdx-1 enables insulin secretion by regulating synaptotagmin 1 gene expression.

Pdx-1 plays important roles both in the development of the pancreas and in maintaining pancreatic beta cell function. However, the role of Pdx-1 in the regulation of insulin release is not well established. We previously demonstrated that Pdx-1 overcomes the defect in insulin release from the insulin-producing cells derived from small hepatocytes (SHCs). Insulin secretion is regulated in vivo by the sequential events triggered by the increase of intracellular Ca(2+)-concentration in response to high glucose concentration. In the present study, we identified a new target of Pdx-1 involved in insulin release. Pdx-1 positively regulates the transcription of the gene encoding synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) (a Ca(2+)-sensor that plays a central role in insulin release) through Pdx-1-binding sites within the 3' regulatory region of the Syt1 gene. We further demonstrated the essential role of Pdx-1 in insulin secretion by the gene knock-down strategy. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against Pdx-1 specifically reduced the levels of Pdx-1 protein and Syt1 transcript in insulinoma lines. Our data indicate that Pdx-1 might contribute to the regulation of insulin release by promoting Syt1 expression in vivo, and provide useful information for future therapy of diabetes mellitus.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

PEGylation enhances tumor targeting of plasmid DNA by an artificial cationized protein with repeated RGD sequences, Pronectin.

The objective of this study is to investigate feasibility of a non-viral gene carrier with repeated RGD sequences (Pronectin F+) in tumor targeting for gene expression. The Pronectin F+ was cationized by introducing spermine (Sm) to the hydroxyl groups to allow to polyionically complex with plasmid DNA. The cationized Pronectin F+ prepared was additionally modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) molecules which have active ester and methoxy groups at the terminal, to form various PEG-introduced cationized Pronectin F+. The cationized Pronectin F+ with or without PEGylation at different extents was mixed with a plasmid DNA of LacZ to form respective cationized Pronectin F+-plasmid DNA complexes. The plasmid DNA was electrophoretically complexed with cationized Pronectin F+ and PEG-introduced cationized Pronectin F+, irrespective of the PEGylation extent, although the higher N/P ratio of complexes was needed for complexation with the latter Pronectin F+. The molecular size and zeta potential measurements revealed that the plasmid DNA was reduced in size to about 250 nm and the charge was changed to be positive by the complexation with cationized Pronectin F+. For the complexation with PEG-introduced cationized Pronectin F+, the charge of complex became neutral being almost 0 mV with the increasing PEGylation extents, while the molecular size was similar to that of cationized Pronectin F+. When cationized Pronectin F+-plasmid DNA complexes with or without PEGylation were intravenously injected to mice carrying a subcutaneous Meth-AR-1 fibrosarcoma mass, the PEG-introduced cationized Pronectin F+-plasmid DNA complex specifically enhanced the level of gene expression in the tumor, to a significantly high extent compared with the cationized Pronectin F+-plasmid DNA complexes and free plasmid DNA. The enhanced level of gene expression depended on the percentage of PEG introduced, the N/P ratio, and the plasmid DNA dose. A fluorescent microscopic study revealed that the localization of plasmid DNA in the tumor tissue was observed only for the PEG-introduced cationized Pronectin F+-plasmid DNA complex injected. We conclude that the PEGylation of cationized Pronectin F+ is a promising way to enable the plasmid DNA to target to the tumor for gene expression.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Regeneration of defects in articular cartilage in rat knee joints by CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor).

UNLABELLED: CTGF/CCN2, a hypertrophic chondrocyte-specific gene product, possessed the ability to repair damaged articular cartilage in two animal models, which were experimental osteoarthritis and full-thickness defects of articular cartilage. These findings suggest that CTGF/CCN2 may be useful in regeneration of articular cartilage. INTRODUCTION: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)/CCN2 is a unique growth factor that stimulates the proliferation and differentiation, but not hypertrophy, of articular chondrocytes in vitro. The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic use of CTGF/CCN2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of recombinant CTGF/CCN2 (rCTGF/CCN2) on repair of damaged cartilage were evaluated by using both the monoiodoacetic acid (MIA)-induced experimental rat osteoarthritis (OA) model and full-thickness defects of rat articular cartilage in vivo. RESULTS: In the MIA-induced OA model, quantitative real-time RT-PCR assays showed a significant increase in the level of CTGF/CCN2 mRNA, and immunohistochemical analysis and in situ hybridization revealed that the clustered chondrocytes, in which clustering indicates an attempt to repair the damaged cartilage, produced CTGF/CCN2. Therefore, CTGF/CCN2 was suspected to play critical roles in cartilage repair. In fact, a single injection of rCTGF/CCN2 incorporated in gelatin hydrogel (rCTGF/CCN2-hydrogel) into the joint cavity of MIA-induced OA model rats repaired their articular cartilage to the extent that it became histologically similar to normal articular cartilage. Next, to examine the effect of rCTGF/CCN2 on the repair of articular cartilage, we created defects (2 mm in diameter) on the surface of articular cartilage in situ and implanted rCTGF/CCN2-hydrogel or PBS-hydrogel therein with collagen sponge. In the group implanted with rCTGF/CCN2-hydrogel collagen, new cartilage filled the defect 4 weeks postoperatively. In contrast, only soft tissue repair occurred when the PBS-hydrogel collagen was implanted. Consistent with these in vivo effects, rCTGF/CCN2 enhanced type II collagen and aggrecan mRNA expression in mouse bone marrow-derived stromal cells and induced chondrogenesis in vitro. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest the utility of CTGF/CCN2 in the regeneration of articular cartilage.

Aggrecans↗

PubMed2004

Adrenomedullin gene transfer induces therapeutic angiogenesis in a rabbit model of chronic hind limb ischemia: benefits of a novel nonviral vector, gelatin.

BACKGROUND: Earlier studies have shown that adrenomedullin (AM), a potent vasodilator peptide, has a variety of cardiovascular effects. However, whether AM has angiogenic potential remains unknown. This study investigated whether AM gene transfer induces therapeutic angiogenesis in chronic hind limb ischemia. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ischemia was induced in the hind limb of 21 Japanese White rabbits. Positively charged biodegradable gelatin was used to produce ionically linked DNA-gelatin complexes that could delay DNA degradation. Human AM DNA (naked AM group), AM DNA-gelatin complex (AM-gelatin group), or gelatin alone (control group) was injected into the ischemic thigh muscles. Four weeks after gene transfer, significant improvements in collateral formation and hind limb perfusion were observed in the naked AM group and AM-gelatin group compared with the control group (calf blood pressure ratio: 0.60+/-0.02, 0.72+/-0.03, 0.42+/-0.06, respectively). Interestingly, hind limb perfusion and capillary density of ischemic muscles were highest in the AM-gelatin group, which revealed the highest content of AM in the muscles among the three groups. As a result, necrosis of lower hind limb and thigh muscles was minimal in the AM-gelatin group. CONCLUSIONS: AM gene transfer induced therapeutic angiogenesis in a rabbit model of chronic hind limb ischemia. Furthermore, the use of biodegradable gelatin as a nonviral vector augmented AM expression and thereby enhanced the therapeutic effects of AM gene transfer. Thus, gelatin-mediated AM gene transfer may be a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases.

Adrenomedullin↗

PubMed2004

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 release from oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate) hydrogels in conditions that model the cartilage wound healing environment.

This research demonstrates that controlled material degradation and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) release can be achieved by encapsulation of TGF-beta1-loaded gelatin microparticles within the biodegradable polymer oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate) (OPF), so that these microparticles function as both a digestible porogen and a delivery vehicle. Release studies performed with non-encapsulated microparticles confirmed that at normal physiological pH, TGF-beta1 complexes with acidic gelatin, resulting in slow release rates. At pH 4.0, this complexation no longer persists, and TGF-beta1 release is enhanced. However, by encapsulating TGF-beta1-loaded microparticles in a network of OPF, release at either pH can be diffusionally controlled. For instance, after 28 days of incubation at pH 4.0, final cumulative release from non-encapsulated microparticles crosslinked in 10 and 40 mM glutaraldehyde (GA) was 75.4+/-1.6% and 76.6+/-1.1%, respectively. However, when either microparticle formulation was encapsulated in an OPF hydrogel (noted as OPF-10 mM and OPF-40 mM, respectively), these values were reduced to 44.7+/-14.6% and 47.4+/-4.7%. More interestingly, release studies, in conditions that model the expected collagenase concentration of injured cartilage, demonstrated that by altering the microparticle crosslinking extent and loading within OPF hydrogels, TGF-beta1 release, composite swelling, and polymer loss could be systematically altered. Composites encapsulating less crosslinked microparticles (OPF-10 mM) exhibited 100% release after only 18 days and were completely degraded by day 24 in collagenase-containing phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Hydrogels encapsulating 40 mM GA microparticles did not exhibit 100% release or polymer loss until day 28. Hydrogels with no microparticle component demonstrated only 79.3+/-9.2% release and 89.2+/-3.4% polymer loss after 28 days in enzyme-containing PBS. Accordingly, these studies confirm that the rate of TGF-beta1 release and material degradation can be controlled by altering key parameters of these novel, in situ crosslinkable biomaterials, so that TGF-beta1 release and scaffold degradation may be tailored to optimize cartilage repair.

Cartilage↗

PubMed2004

Therapeutic angiogenesis by the controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor for ischemic limb and heart injury: toward safety and minimal invasiveness.

We review our studies on therapeutic angiogenesis using basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) released in a controlled manner from biodegradable gelatin hydrogel (GH). The bFGF-GH was intramuscularly injected in rabbits with limb ischemia. The group treated with bFGF showed an increase in tissue blood flow under laser Doppler imaging and histology showed a greater vascular density compared with controls. Also, bFGF-GH was subepicardially injected into old heart infarcts in rats. In the group treated with bFGF, improved left ventricular function was shown by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization, increased regional blood flow in the peri-infarct area was detected by pinhole single-photon emission computed tomography using (201)Tl, and increased vascular density was demonstrated by histology. In rabbits with acute myocardial infarction, the heart was wrapped with the omentum (including the gastroepiploic artery) and a bFGF-GH sheet was applied. Postoperative assessment revealed rich communication from the gastroepiploic artery to the coronary artery and improved cardiac function. The controlled release of bFGF was effective for both limb and heart ischemia and is considered to be suitable for clinical use because its application in animals was feasible and safe with minimal invasiveness.

Angiography↗

PubMed2004

Collagenous matrices as release carriers of exogenous growth factors.

We have investigated the use of natural and synthetic collagenous matrices as carriers of exogenous growth factors. A bladder acellular matrix (BAM) was processed from rat bladder and compared with sponge matrix of porcine type 1 collagen. The lyophilized matrices were rehydrated by the aqueous solutions of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and heparin binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), to obtain the matrix incorporating each growth factor. The rehydration method enabled the growth factor protein to distribute into the matrix homogeneously. In vivo release test in the mouse subcutis revealed that, the property of BAM for growth factor release was similar to that of collagen sponge. Among the growth factors examined, bFGF release was the most sustained, followed by HGF and PDGF-BB. bFGF released from the two matrices showed similar in vivo angiogenic activity at the mouse subcutis in a dose-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that the collagenous matrices function as release carriers of growth factors. This feature is promising to create a scaffold, which has a nature to control the tissue regeneration actively.

Animals↗