Adenovirus-mediated Gene Transfer Of Angiopoietin-related Protein 2 Induces Angiogenesis In Ischemic Myocardium

Objective: To study the effect of Ad.ARP2 on inducing vascular endothelial cells sprout and inducing ischemic myocardium revascularization. Methods: Recombinate adenovirus vector carrying ARP2 gene was preparated by the lipid transfection method. CMECs were induced and cultured. Myocardial infarct was generated by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery of 12 week male SD rats. All animals were randomized into there groups (Group I , injected with Ad.ARP2; Group II, injected with Ad.Null; GroupIII, injected with PBS). After injection, expression of ARP2 protein were assessed by pathological examination, revascularization function was assessed by MEC, cardiac function were assessed by echocardiography. Results: CMECs could be transfected by Ad.ARP2, highly express ARP2 protein, and sprout. After injection, Angiogenesis was most remarkable in Group I ; cardiac function in Group I were significantly saved(P<0.01). Conclusions: The intramyocardia injection of Ad.ARP2 can revascularize ischemic myocardium, protect cardiac function. Such a strategy may be useful in the treatment of old-aged patients with ischemic heart disease.