Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:2.7.1.21 (thymidine kinase)
 7,561 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Gene therapy techniques are being developed as potential treatments for dyslipidemias, coronary restenosis, and vein graft disease. Retroviral and now adenoviral gene delivery techniques are being studied. A human protocol for the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia has recently been completed using ex vivo hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor gene transfer via a retroviral vector. Work in most other areas is currently in the animal model stage. Significant progress has been made in the area of coronary restenosis, particularly in identifying target genes to reduce neointima formation, such as herpesvirus thymidine kinase and the retinoblastoma gene. Work also continues in developing strategies to decrease neointima formation in vein grafts used in coronary bypass surgery and in improving methods of myocardial protection during surgery.
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PMID:Gene therapy for ischemic heart disease. 887 46

In this study we report an improved method for in vivo gene transfer to liver. Repeated injections of Moloney murine leukemia virus-derived retroviruses containing LDL receptor cDNA were given to the portal vein in combination with a 10% partial liver resection and stimulation of hepatocyte proliferation by plasmid/liposome-mediated thymidine kinase gene transfer and ganciclovir treatment. The method was used for the treatment of LDL receptor deficiency in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits. We demonstrate an increase in hepatocyte proliferation index by thymidine kinase and ganciclovir treatment from 0.9 to 1.35% and a maximum of 35% decrease in total plasma cholesterol level 2-3 months after the gene transfer. A 20% decline was still present after a 52-week follow-up period. A 50% decrease was also observed in plasma triglycerides. Liver function tests indicated a transient increase in plasma alkaline phosphatase level up to 12 weeks after the gene transfer. In situ PCR and RT-PCR analyses indicated that the transgene was present in periportal areas and was transcribed to mRNA 1 week after the gene transfer. Because of the relatively simple and controllable technique we suggest that repeated retrovirus injections via a portal vein catheter together with the limited partial liver resection and plasmid/liposome-mediated thymidine kinase gene transfer-ganciclovir treatment may be used to improve the results of retrovirus-mediated liver gene therapy.
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PMID:Enhanced plasma cholesterol lowering effect of retrovirus-mediated LDL receptor gene transfer to WHHL rabbit liver after improved surgical technique and stimulation of hepatocyte proliferation by combined partial liver resection and thymidine kinase--ganciclovir treatment. 1034 73