J Korean Radiol Soc.  2003 Feb;48(2):131-139. 10.3348/jkrs.2003.48.2.131.

Usefulness of Intra-arterial Embolization Method Using Gelfoam Particles in Effective Gene Transduction of Adenoviral Vector for Liver-directed Gene Therapy: an Preliminary Animal Study in Dogs

• Lee JH
• Park BH
• Kim CS

• KMID: 2103714
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.2003.48.2.131

Abstract

PURPOSE: Liver-directed gene therapy is being actively pursued and developed as a method of treating various liver diseases. A number of aspects, including gene intervention, an efficient gene delivery system, and stable transgene expression are key to the success of the chosen strategy, and to overcome problems in these areas, several tactics can be used. In this study, we assess the utility of transarterial embolization using gelfoam particles soaked in an adenovirus vector as a gene-delivery method.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Using the angiographic approach, three dogs each weighing 9.5-11 kg were superselectively catheterized at the left hepatic artery using a 3-F microcatheter and the coaxial method. Two of the dogs were embolized at the left hepatic artery using 3x2x2-mm and 2x1x1-mm gelfoam particles soaked in 2x1011 particles/kg of recombinant adv.CMV.LacZ (LacZ-adv). The left hepatic artery of the remaining animal, used as a control, was infused with the same dose of lacZ-adv in the same way as before but without embolization of the left hepatic artery. Three days after embolization or the infusion of LacZ-adv, the dogs were sacrificed prior to harvest of the entire liver for the evaluation of gene transduction.
RESULTS
X-gal staining of the liver tissue obtained was positive for hepatocytes, but the pattern and degree of gene transduction differed according to gelfoam particle size. Where this was 3x2x2 mm, gene transduction along the liver hilum varied, but where 2x1x1-mm particles were used, transduction was more even. No pathologic hepatic tissue injury or inflammation was apparent, and control liver tissue was not stained by Xgal. Serum SGOT and SGPT levels were slightly higher one day after the procedure, but had normalized by day 3.
CONCLUSION
Intrahepatic transarterial embolization using gelfoam particles soaked in LacZ-adv appears to be a good method for effective liver-targed gene therapy.

Keyword

Liver, gene therapy; Intervention, intra-arterial embolization; Animal study

MeSH Terms

Adenoviridae
Alanine Transaminase
Animals*
Aspartate Aminotransferases
Catheters
Dogs*
Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable*
Gene Transfer Techniques
Genetic Therapy*
Hepatic Artery
Hepatocytes
Inflammation
Liver
Liver Diseases
Particle Size
Transgenes
Alanine Transaminase
Aspartate Aminotransferases