Gene therapy for coronary disease

Gene transfer offers an approach to the study and treatment of coronary disease. The localized nature of vascular diseases like restenosis has made the application of genetic material an attractive therapeutic option. Viral and non viral vectors have been developed to facilitate the entry of foreign DNA into cells. Vector improvement and production, demonstration of vector safety and therapeutic efficacy are among the main present challenges. Therapeutic angiogenesis using gene transfer is a new strategy for the treatment of coronary disease. This approach is currently being investigated in clinical trials in patients with coronary diseases. Other potential targets for genetic treatment in cardiovascular diseases include thrombosis, reendothelialization, and extracellular matrix synthesis.