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VEGF overexpression via adeno‐associated virus gene transfer promotes skeletal muscle regeneration and enhances muscle function in mdx mice
Author(s) -
Messina Sonia,
Mazzeo Anna,
Bitto Alessandra,
Aguennouz M'hammed,
Migliorato Alba,
De Pasquale Maria G.,
Minutoli Letteria,
Altavilla Domenica,
Zentilin Lorena,
Giacca Mauro,
Squadrito Francesco,
Vita Giuseppe
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fj.07-8459com
Subject(s) - adeno associated virus , myogenin , duchenne muscular dystrophy , regeneration (biology) , vascular endothelial growth factor , angiogenesis , mdx mouse , skeletal muscle , myosin , genetic enhancement , endocrinology , myopathy , myocyte , muscular dystrophy , medicine , biology , chemistry , dystrophin , recombinant dna , microbiology and biotechnology , vegf receptors , myogenesis , gene , biochemistry , vector (molecular biology)
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major regulator of physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Recently it was reported that the delivery of VEGF using recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) vectors reduces muscle damage and promotes muscle regeneration in different experimental models of muscle necrosis. We demonstrate that intramuscular administration of rAAV‐VEGF improved pathophysiology of the mdx mouse, a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). One month after injection, rAAV‐VEGF‐treated muscles showed augmented expression of VEGF and immu‐nolocalization of its receptor, VEGFR‐2. VEGF‐treated mdx mice showed increased forelimb strength and strength normalized to weight. Treatment reduced necrotic fibers area and increased regenerating fibers area with an augmented number of myoge‐nin‐positive satellite cells and myonuclei, and of developmental myosin heavy chain‐positive fibers. Only the regenerating area showed increased capillary density. This study provides novel evidence of a VEGF beneficial effect in mdx mice that is exerted mainly by a proregenerative and angiogenic effect. It opens new therapeutic prospectives in DMD and other types of muscular disorders.—Messina S., Mazzeo, A., Bitto, A., Aguennouz, M., Migliorato, A., De Pasquale M. G., Minutoli, L., Altavilla, D., Zentilin L., Giacca, M., Squadrito, F., Vita G. VEGF overexpression via adeno‐associated virus gene transfer promotes skeletal muscle regeneration and enhances muscle function in mdx mice. FASEB J. 21, 3737–3746 (2007)