PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Gene therapy-based treatment for myocardial ischemia is envisioned to involve multiple approaches. RECENT FINDINGS: We discuss the various approaches and viral vectors available for this emerging field of cardioprotection by gene-based therapy. The prevention of arterial occlusion by the inhibition of clot formation or even atherosclerotic disease process is one approach. Another is the treatment of ischemia with genes that limit cardiac injury due to hypoxia. The molecular pathways that lead to cell damage and death are not yet fully understood. Thus, strides in the understanding of the disease process must be made. SUMMARY: In spite of the lack of precise knowledge, delivery of certain genes has shown promise, and the development of various gene delivery techniques to the heart has shown progress.
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Hermonat et al. (2004) studied this question.
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