ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) gene modified placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells( PMSCs) on limb ischemia in a rabbit model.Methods The placental tissue was digested with enzyme, cultured and passaged.The PMSCs were characterized by surface marker expression.These cells were infected with adenoviral( Ad)-HGF and intramuscular injected for treatment of limb ischemia in a rabbit model.The blood supply of the limb was detected by digital subtraction angiography ( DSA ) and the vessel number was evaluated in histopathological HE staining.Results The results showed that Ad-HGF gene transduction increased the vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ) , basic fibroblast growth factor, bFGF ( bFGF ) and HGF expression in PMSCs. Transplantation of HGF-transduced PMSCs resulted in the increase in vessel density and improvement of blood supply in the rabbit limb ischemia model.Conclusion The therapeutic effect of HGF gene engineered PMSCs on ischemia by enhancing angiogenesis in a rabbit model is evaluated.Transplantation of PMSCs with HGF gene therapy may be a promising strategy for the treatment of ischemia diseases.