RSS Feeds

Earth Science

Space Science

Life Science

Fields of Scientific Study

Nanotechnology

Cancer

Definitions of The Fields of Scientific Study

Modified herpes virus keeps arteries 'free-flowing' following procedures

July 11, 2007

A genetically engineered herpes simplex virus, primarily known for causing cold sores, may help keep arteries "free-flowing" in the weeks following angioplasty or stent placement for patients, according to research published early in the online edition of PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America).

Christopher Skelly, MD, assistant professor of vascular surgery at the University of Chicago Medical Center, and the study's lead author says, "One of the drawbacks of balloon angioplasty to open blocked arteries and the use of stents to keep them open is that arteries sometimes experience aggravation from the procedure. The balloon angioplasty, in addition to opening the artery can lead to smooth muscle cell proliferation, similar to formation of scar tissue, known as neointimal hyperplasia. This scar tissue can restrict blood flow not long after the procedures, leading to a recurrence of symptoms. A significant number of these cases end up requiring further intervention to address this complication."

Researchers at the University of Chicago noted that in recent years, genetically engineered herpes simplex virus studied for its efficacy against malignant tumors of the central nervous system and the liver was blocking certain types of cell death and proliferation of surviving cells. They wanted to test this effect in arteries following angioplasty therapy.

The researchers studied a rabbit model that replicates the restenosis or renarrowing after angioplasty. Rabbits that underwent angioplasty alone experienced significant narrowing of the artery. Rabbits exposed to the herpes simplex virus during angioplasty had minimal changes in the arteries. The smooth muscle cell proliferation which causes the restenosis was very low in the group treated with herpes and remained high in the untreated group.

One undesirable, yet expected outcome of angioplasty and stent placement is the disruption of the artery's endothelial layer, which forms the inner lining of the artery. Loss of this inner layer predisposes the artery to blood clot formation which has been a recent concern with drug eluting stents. The researchers found that the endothelial layer was partially restored at 14 days and completely restored at 28 days post-balloon angioplasty in the group treated with the herpes virus.

"The ability to target the smooth muscle cells that cause the narrowing, and regenerate the endothelial cell lining is an important finding," noted Skelly.

"This study is an important step in the application of genetically engineered herpes simplex viruses for treatment of vascular disease," Skelly added. "It suggests that genetically engineered viruses may have a significant impact on the outcomes of angioplasty performed in humans. Human trials would be the next step to test this theory."

University of Chicago Medical Center

Related Angioplasty Current Events and Angioplasty News Articles

Angioplasty Current Events and Angioplasty News RSS

Your Own Stem Cells Can Treat Heart Disease
The largest national stem cell study for heart disease showed the first evidence that transplanting a potent form of adult stem cells into the heart muscle of subjects with severe angina results in less pain and an improved ability to walk. The transplant subjects also experienced fewer deaths than those who didn't receive stem cells.

Vitamin B niacin offers no extra benefit to statin therapy in seniors already diagnosed with CAD
The routine prescription of extended-release niacin, a B vitamin (1,500 milligrams daily), in combination with traditional cholesterol-lowering therapy offers no extra benefit in correcting arterial narrowing and diminishing plaque buildup in seniors who already have coronary artery disease, a new vascular imaging study from Johns Hopkins experts shows.

The heart attack myth: Study establishes that women do have same the heart attack symptoms as men
The gender difference between men and women is a lot smaller than we've been led to believe when it comes to heart attack symptoms.

Lifestyle changes remain important in fighting peripheral arterial disease
Modifying the risk of peripheral arterial disease (or PAD)-with healthy lifestyle changes-remains vital to one's health, note researchers in a recent issue of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.

Study questions need for routine intervention in patients with renovascular disease
Some invasive procedures that are becoming increasingly common as a first line of treatment for patients diagnosed with narrowed arteries in and around the kidneys may not be necessary.

Designing drugs and their antidotes together improves patient care
Imagine a surgical patient on a blood-thinning drug who starts bleeding more than expected, and an antidote that works immediately - because the blood thinner and antidote were designed to work together.

Pre-hospital organization: The first links in the chain of survival for heart attack patients
Mortality rate following a heart attack has fallen by more than 50% in Europe over the past 25 years. However, because only minor advances in the medical treatment of AMI are expected over the next decade, it is through organisational changes in the pre-hospital phase that mortality rate will continue this decline to below 5%.

Stent for life initiative
Primary angioplasty (with stent implantation) is the most effective therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but it is not available to many patients, even though most European countries have sufficient resources (ie, catheterisation laboratories) for its wider use.

Otamixaban for the treatment of patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes
Data from a phase II trial of an investigational intravenous drug designed to block the formation of blood clots shows potential to reduce the risk of death, a second heart attack, or other coronary complications compared with the current standard of care in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (heart attacks or unstable angina).

New strategies for reperfusion therapy
A new trial has begun in order to ascertain once and for all whether the best strategy for patients who cannot receive P-PCI is early fibrinolysis, together with mandated angiography.

More Angioplasty Current Events and Angioplasty News Articles

	Vascular Interventional Radiology: Angioplasty, Stenting, Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy (Medical Radiology / Diagnostic Imaging) by Mark G. Cowling (Editor), L. Baert (Editor) This volume focuses on the current evidence surrounding the use of endovascular therapy. It updates and complements the earlier "Medical Radiology" volume on the Radiology of Peripheral Vascular Diseases. Some background information is provided on vascular biology and the facilities required for safe endovascular practice, along with guidance on consent issues. Further chapters deal with endovascular treatment in particular arterial territories, and include the evidence in favour of or against the use of specific treatments. The most up-to-date evidence surrounding endovascular aneurysm repair is discussed. There are also chapters on venous interventions, including the endovascular management of varicose veins. This book will be of value both to interventional radiologists and to vascular...
	Carotid Endarterectomy & Angioplasty with Vein Patch--VHS John B. Chang, M.D., FACS. 26 mins. Long Island Vascular Clinic, Roslyn, NY. ADM Video Productions, Inc.
	Kardovite Capsules (180 Caps) by The Wolfe Clinic The Wolfe Clinics Kardovite Drops Kardovite has been scientifically formulated with traditional herbal ingredients used for centuries as a path to a healthier lifestyle. Kardovite Drops should be seen as a Herbal Preparation, designed to enhance health. Traditional use of these herbs indicate that they may improve blood circulation, help lower cholesterol, treat circulatory ailments, and help break up blood clots. THE SEVEN HERBS OF KARDOVITE ARE: Cayenne, Garlic, Hawthorn, Valerian, Milk Thistle, Ginkgo Biloba, and Bilberry. CAYENNE: Stimulates the appetite, increases the flow of saliva and other digestive juices, Increases the rate and efficiency of nutrient absorption, Reduces cholesterol levels and decreases the bloods tendency to form clots, Acts as a Hypotensive and a cardiac...
	Passing on Bypass Using External CounterPulsation : An FDA Cleared Alternative to Treat Heart Disease Without Surgery, Drugs or Angioplasty. SECOND EDITION by George J. Juetersonke (Author) Over 58 million Americans have some kind of heart disease. Far too many people are unnecessarily forced into surgery or angioplasty when a safer alternative exists. This book describes External CounterPulsation, which is a painless, non-invasive, successful treatment for patients with heart disease and angina. Pressure cuffs wrapped around a patient's legs and hips squeeze the leg muscles in conjunction with the beating of the heart. The idea behind ECP (Medicare and insurance covered), is to boost blood flow to the heart through the natural growth of bypasses around arterial blockages. This amazing treatment even works in bypass failures.
	Concerns About Having a Second Heart Attack or Stroke Dr. Arnold P. Nerenberg (Composer) Dr. Nerenberg had a heart attack seven years ago and had an angioplasty procedure to a coronary artery. After seven years a second stent was needed for a second coronary artery which was 80% blocked; fortunately there was no heart attack. His symptoms included: confusion, weakness, angina, numbness of face, shortness of breath. His systolic blood pressure went to 222; he called the paramedics. Dr. Nerenberg gives practical advice on how to deal with such medical crisis from a medical, emotional, and spiritual approach.
	Concerns About Having a Second Heart Attack or Stroke Also With: Dr. Arnold P. Nerenberg (Narrator), Dr. Arnold P. Nerenberg (Commentary) Dr. Nerenberg had a heart attack seven years ago and had an angioplasty procedure to a coronary artery. After seven years a second stent was needed for a second coronary artery which was 80% blocked; fortunately there was no heart attack. His symptoms included: confusion, weakness, angina, numbness of face, shortness of breath. His systolic blood pressure went to 222; he called the paramedics. Dr. Nerenberg gives practical advice on how to deal with such medical crisis from a medical, emotional, and spiritual approach.
	Classic Papers in Coronary Angioplasty by Clive Handler (Editor), Michael Cleman (Editor) Every medical specialty has a core of classic papers that reflect both the historical development of the discipline and point the way to present and future developments. A distinguished team of international contributors have been assembled by the Editors to identify, analyze and collate the most important articles from a broad range of publications that have become recognized as the defining articles in coronary angioplasty. It is a unique reference, for not only does it provide a single source for reviewing the most important papers in the discipline, it also provides a critical analysis of the strengths, weaknesses and the impact each paper has had on the development of coronary angioplasty. This book will be essential reading for cardiologists - in particular interventional...
	So You're Having a Heart Cath and Angioplasty by E. Magnus Ohman MD (Author), Gail Cox RN (Author), Stephen Fort MD (Author), Victoria K. Foulger RN (Author) This book is the ultimate guide to cardiac catheterization (heart cath) and angioplasty in the US. It gives you the information you need to be firmly in the driver’s seat, from preparing for the first hospital visit, through the heart cath and angioplasty procedures, to the quickest routes to recovery. Real-life patient stories, extensive self-help sections, and detailed illustrations fully explain the procedures, and a glossary and who’s who of medical staff take the mystery out of medicine. Also included are a comprehensive directory to Internet and other resources, a guide to complementary therapies, and a diary to help you keep track of your treatment—and your recovery.
	Clear Heart by Triuntity Did you know that EDTA is FDA approved. In medical studies, EDTA has been shown to be three times safer. In fact, EDTA is so safe for humans, the American Heart Association recommends massive direct intravenous injections as treatment for people who have been exposed to toxic levels of lead, mercury, aluminum, and cadmium. In fact, scientific studies have proven that EDTA is up to 82% effective at eliminating rogue calcium from plaque, causing clogs to soften, let go and be flushed away!
	Handbook of Angioplasty and Stenting Procedures (Techniques in Interventional Radiology) by Robert A. Morgan (Editor), Eric Walser (Editor) The objective of this series of handbooks in Interventional Radiology is to provide easily accessible technique specific information on interventional radiology procedures. This series would ensure all of the key elements are in place, to fulfill the need for topic-orientated books that could be left in the IR room or carry around. Watkinson and Lee will be the Series Editors. Each book will have an EU and a US editor recruited, who would in turn select contributors to their table of contents. The books within the series will follow a template highlighting key areas with bullet points, key-point summaries, with illustrations / line drawings etc, so that residents and fellows find them didactic and easy-to-read – a must-have. The template of each book will be...