Biotechnology

Study findings from Kurume University, Medical Department broaden understanding of gene therapy

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"Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether postnatal inhibition of interferon- gamma signaling could inhibit progression of atherosclerotic plaques and stabilize the lipid- and macrophage- rich advanced plaques. Atherosclerotic plaques were induced in ApoE- knockout ( KO) mice by feeding high- fat diet from 8 weeks old ( w). Interferon- gamma function was postnatally inhibited by repeated gene transfers of a soluble mutant of interferon- gamma receptors ( sIFN gamma R), an interferon- gamma inhibitory protein, into the thigh muscle every 2 weeks. When sIFN gamma R treatment was started at 12 w ( atherosclerotic stage), sIFN gamma R not only prevented plaque progression but also stabilized advanced plaques at 16 w: sIFN gamma R decreased accumulations of the lipid and macrophages and increased fibrotic area with more smooth muscle cells," wrote M. Koga and colleagues, Kurume University, Medical Department.

The researchers concluded: "Moreover, sIFN gamma R downregulated expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and matrix metalloproteinases but upregulated procollagen type I. sIFN gamma R did not affect serum cholesterol levelspostnatal blocking of interferon- gamma function by sIFN gamma R treatment would be a new strategy to inhibit plaque progression and to stabilize advanced plaques through the antiinflammatory effects."

Koga and colleagues published their study in Circulation Research (Inhibition of progression and stabilization of plaques by postnatal interferon-gamma function blocking in ApoE-Knockout mice. Circulation Research, 2007;101(4):348-356).

For more information, contact H. Kai, Kurume University, Division Cardiovascular Medical, Dept. of Internal Medical, 67 Asahi Machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 8300011, Japan.

Publisher contact information for the journal Circulation Research is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.

Keywords: Japan, Kurume, Biotechnology, Gene Therapy, Genetics, Genomics, Kurume University, Medical Department.

This article was prepared by Genetics & Environmental Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Genetics & Environmental Business Week via NewsRx.com.