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Original Article
Acta Pharmacologica Sinica (2010) 31: 821–830; doi: 10.1038/aps.2010.67; published online 28 June 2010
Angiopoiesis and bone regeneration via co-expression of the hVEGF and hBMP genes from an adeno-associated viral vector in vitro and in vivo
Chen Zhang1, Kun-zheng Wang1, Hui Qiang1, Yi-lun Tang1, Qian Li2, Miao Li2 and Xiao-qian Dang1
1. 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
2. 2Department of Ultrasound, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
Correspondence: Xiao-qian Dang, E-mail dang_xiaoqian@sohu.com
Received 22 February 2010; Accepted 6 May 2010; Published online 28 June 2010.
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Abstract
Aim:
To investigate the therapeutic potential of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP).
Methods:
Four experimental groups were administered the following AAV vector constructs: rAAV-hVEGF165-internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-hBMP-7 (AAV-VEGF/BMP), rAAV-hVEGF165-GFP (AAV-VEGF), rAAV-hBMP-7-GFP (AAV-BMP), and rAAV-IRES-GFP (AAV-GFP). VEGF165 and BMP-7 gene expression was detected using RT-PCR. The VEGF165 and BMP-7 protein expression was determined by Western blotting and ELISA. The rabbit ischemic hind limb model was adopted and rAAV was administered intramuscularly into the ischemic limb.
Results:
Rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured and infected with the four viral vectors. The expression of GFP increased from the 7th day of infection and could be detected on the 28th day post-infection. In the AAV-VEGF/BMP group, the levels of VEGF165 and BMP-7 increased with prolonged infection time. The VEGF165 and BMP-7 secreted from BMSCs in the AAV-VEGF/BMP group enhanced HUVEC tube formation and resulted in a stronger osteogenic ability, respectively. In rabbit ischemic hind limb model, GFP expression increased from the 4th week and could be detected at 8 weeks post-injection. The rAAV vector had superior gene expressing activity. Eight weeks after gene transfer, the mean blood flow was significantly higher in the AAV-VEGF/BMP group. Orthotopic ossification was radiographically evident, and capillary growth and calcium deposits were obvious in this group.
Conclusion:
AAV-mediated VEGF and BMP gene transfer stimulates angiogenesis and bone regeneration and may be a new therapeutic technique for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH).
Keywords:
Original Article
Acta Pharmacologica Sinica (2010) 31: 821–830; doi: 10.1038/aps.2010.67; published online 28 June 2010
Angiopoiesis and bone regeneration via co-expression of the hVEGF and hBMP genes from an adeno-associated viral vector in vitro and in vivo
Chen Zhang1, Kun-zheng Wang1, Hui Qiang1, Yi-lun Tang1, Qian Li2, Miao Li2 and Xiao-qian Dang1
1. 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
2. 2Department of Ultrasound, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
Correspondence: Xiao-qian Dang, E-mail dang_xiaoqian@sohu.com
Received 22 February 2010; Accepted 6 May 2010; Published online 28 June 2010.
Top of page
Abstract
Aim:
To investigate the therapeutic potential of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP).
Methods:
Four experimental groups were administered the following AAV vector constructs: rAAV-hVEGF165-internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-hBMP-7 (AAV-VEGF/BMP), rAAV-hVEGF165-GFP (AAV-VEGF), rAAV-hBMP-7-GFP (AAV-BMP), and rAAV-IRES-GFP (AAV-GFP). VEGF165 and BMP-7 gene expression was detected using RT-PCR. The VEGF165 and BMP-7 protein expression was determined by Western blotting and ELISA. The rabbit ischemic hind limb model was adopted and rAAV was administered intramuscularly into the ischemic limb.
Results:
Rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured and infected with the four viral vectors. The expression of GFP increased from the 7th day of infection and could be detected on the 28th day post-infection. In the AAV-VEGF/BMP group, the levels of VEGF165 and BMP-7 increased with prolonged infection time. The VEGF165 and BMP-7 secreted from BMSCs in the AAV-VEGF/BMP group enhanced HUVEC tube formation and resulted in a stronger osteogenic ability, respectively. In rabbit ischemic hind limb model, GFP expression increased from the 4th week and could be detected at 8 weeks post-injection. The rAAV vector had superior gene expressing activity. Eight weeks after gene transfer, the mean blood flow was significantly higher in the AAV-VEGF/BMP group. Orthotopic ossification was radiographically evident, and capillary growth and calcium deposits were obvious in this group.
Conclusion:
AAV-mediated VEGF and BMP gene transfer stimulates angiogenesis and bone regeneration and may be a new therapeutic technique for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH).
Keywords:
