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Theranostics 2012; 2(6):541-552. doi:10.7150/thno.3682 This issue Cite

Review

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Delivery Systems for Cardiac Repair: An Overview

Teresa Simón-Yarza¹, Fabio R. Formiga¹, Esther Tamayo¹, Beatriz Pelacho², Felipe Prosper^2✉, María J. Blanco-Prieto^1✉

1. Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain;
2. Hematology Service and Area of Cell Therapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Foundation for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.

✉ Corresponding author: Maria J. Blanco-Prieto, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31080 Pamplona, Spain. Tel.: +34 948 425600 x 6519; fax: +34 948 425649 e-mail: mjblancoes, and Felipe Prosper, Hematology and Cell Therapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 36, Pamplona 31008, Spain. Phone +34 948 255400 Fax +34 948 296500. E-mail: fprosperes More

Abstract

Since the discovery of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and its leading role in the angiogenic process, this has been seen as a promising molecule for promoting neovascularization in the infarcted heart. However, even though several clinical trials were initiated, no therapeutic effects were observed, due in part to the short half life of this factor when administered directly to the tissue. In this context, drug delivery systems appear to offer a promising strategy to overcome limitations in clinical trials of VEGF.

The aim of this paper is to review the principal drug delivery systems that have been developed to administer VEGF in cardiovascular disease. Studies published in the last 5 years are reviewed and the main features of these systems are explained. The tissue engineering concept is introduced as a therapeutic alternative that holds promise for the near future.

Keywords: VEGF, protein delivery, cardiovascular disease, angiogenesis, tissue engineering.

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