Improved efficiency of adeno-associated virus mediated gene transfer to vein grafts by use of pluronic F-127-trypsin gel / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate whether pluronic F-127-trypsin gel enhances the efficiency of adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated gene transfer to vein grafts. Methods: Rat model of venous bridge vascular restenosis was established. The vein grafts were infected with recombinant AAV encoding an enhanced green fluorescent protein (Egfp) reporter gene, and pluronic F-127-trypsin gel was used to increase viral contact time and viral penetration. The expression of EGFP in vein grafts was determined by frozen section, immunohistochemistry staining and quantitative reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR 21 days after surgery. Structural integrity of the tissue was evaluated by measurement of tissue tensile strength. Results: Pluronic F-127-trypsin gel can significantly improve the efficiency of AAV infection in vein grafts, in which AAV serotype 6 was more efficient than AAV 1, 8, and 9 serotypes in infecting vein grafts, and tissue tensile strength was not affected. Conclusion: Pluronic F-127 trypsin gel may be a safe and effective method to improve the efficiency of AAV mediated gene transfer to vein grafts. It can be used for the prevention and treatment of venous bridge vascular restenosis.