Abstract:

Objective     To explore the effect of co-transfection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and proliferating-cell-nuclear-antisense-antigen  oligodeoxynucleotides(PCNA-ASODN) on  restenosis  after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Methods      32 Zelanian rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the VEGF group, the PCNA-ASODN group, and the VEGF+PCNA-ASODN group. Using pluronic gel as the control-released carrier, 300μg of VEGF or PCNA-ASODN were given to the adventitia of the femoral iliac artery with restenosis after balloon injury in rabbits. The intima, middle structure and local thrombosis in the injured vascular specimen were observed by an optical microscope, and neointimal endothelial cells, the intima and media were examined by an electronic microscope. The ratio of intima/media(I/M) areas and the ratio of I/M thickness were determined. mRNA expressions of VEGF and PCNA were measured by reverse transcription-PCR. Protein expressions of VEGF and PCNA were determined with immunohistochemistry. Results     Compared with the other groups,  vascular endothelium in the VEGF+PCNA-ASODN group was intact, smooth and mildly hyperplasic, and vascular smooth muscle cells were arranged in order, while there was no obvious change in the adventitia. Ratios of I/M area and thickness were significantlylower (P<0.05). mRNA expression of VEGF was significantly increased by RT-PCR(P<0.05). Protein expression of VEGF was significantly higher by immunohistochemistry(P<0.05). Conclusion   Co-transfection of VEGF and PCNA-ASODN could effectively inhibit neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis after balloon injury.

Key words: Vascular endothelial growth factor; Proliferating cell nuclear antigen antisense; Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide; Restenosis; Co-transfection