Study on Treatment of EPC Transfected with VEGFa on Rat Ischemic Hind-limb

Abstract

Objective Using EPC transfected VEGFa to treat rat ischemic hind-limb,thus to explore the effect of EPC,EPC transfected with VEGF on new vessels of rat ischemic hind-limb and limb survival. Methods 54 models of SD rat ischemic hind-limb were established, and randomly divided into three groups. Each group has six rats. Eukaryotic expression vector of VEGF was transfected into EPCs from marrow,which then was injected into rats via vena caudalis. Compared them with animals applied PBS or EPC,and observed how EPCs transfected with VEGFa gene gathered at the ischemic part and facilitated angiogenesis. Results (1) As for the comparison of general limb disability, limb restoration rate of Group EPC,VEGF were obviously higher than that of Group PBS (P<0. 05). (2) Micro Vessel Density (MVD):compared with Group PBS,there was a marked increase in MVD of Group EPC, VEGF at each time point (P<0. 05). 14 and 21 days after operation, MVD of Group VEGF was higher than that of Group EPC (P<0.05). (3) Expression of VEGFa in ischemic limbs:compared with Group PBS,EPC, VEGF protein expression of Group VEGF was significantly increased (P<0. 05). Compared with Group PBS,and,there was obvious increase in VEGF protein expression in Group EPC (P<0.05). (4) Seven days after operation,rat limb perfusion in all groups was reduced:14,21 days after operation,compared with PBS control group,there was notable blood perfusion recovery in Group EPC and VEGF (P<0.01). Blood perfusion of Group EPC was less than that of Group VEGF (P<0.05 ). Conclusion EPCs transfected with VEGFa gene had a significant impact on angiogenesis at ischemic part. Combined application of VEGFa gene to the treatment of ischemic hind-limb has a good synergistic effect. Key words: Bone marrow stem cell (MSCs) ; Endothelial progenitor cells; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Micro vessel density