Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A Gene Electrotransfer Promotes Angiogenesis in a Porcine Model of Cardiac Ischemia

This study aimed to assess safety and therapeutic potential of gene electrotransfer as a method for delivery of plasmid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor A to ischemic myocardium in a porcine model. Myocardial ischemia was induced by surgically occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery in swine. Gene electrotransfer following plasmid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor A injection was performed at four sites in the ischemic region. Control groups either received injections of the plasmid without electrotransfer or injections of saline vehicle. Animals were monitored for seven weeks and hearts were evaluated for angiogenesis, myocardial infarct size, and left ventricular contractility. Arteriograms suggest growth of new arteries as early as two weeks post treatment in electrotransfer animals. There is a significant reduction of infarct area and left ventricular contractility is improved in gene electrotransfer treated group compared to controls. There was no significant difference in mortality of animals treated with gene electrotransfer of plasmid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor A from control groups. Gene delivery of plasmid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor A to ischemic myocardium in a porcine model can be accomplished safely with potential for myocardial repair and regeneration.