Gene therapy of benign gynecological diseases

Abstract

Gene therapy is the introduction of genetic material into patient’s cells to achieve therapeutic benefit. Advances in molecular biology techniques and better understanding of disease pathogenesis have validated the use of a variety of genes as potential molecular targets for gene therapy based approaches. Gene therapy strategies include: mutation compensation of dysregulated genes; replacement of defective tumor-suppressor genes; inactivation of oncogenes; introduction of suicide genes; immunogenic therapy and antiangiogenesis based approaches. Preclinical studies of gene therapy for various gynecological disorders have not only shown to be feasible, but also showed promising results in diseases such as uterine leiomyomas and endometriosis. In recent years, significant improvement in gene transfer technology has led to the development of targetable vectors, which have fewer side-effects without compromising their efficacy. This review provides an update on developing gene therapy approaches to treat common gynecological diseases such as uterine leiomyoma and endometriosis.

Induction of genuine autophagy by cationic lipids in mammalian cells

“…1,2 For gene therapy to be successful, efficient and safe, delivery of exogenous DNA into mammalian cells is crucial. Two approaches, using viral and nonviral vectors respectively, are commonly used to introduce DNA into cells.…”

Serum vitamin D3 level inversely correlates with uterine fibroid volume in different ethnic groups: a cross-sectional observational study

“…Recently, the authors have reported that Vit D deficiency has also been associated with higher estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor expression and enhanced estrogen and progesterone signaling in the myometrium 42,43. Thus, chronic Vit D deficiency in black adolescent females would lead to chronic heightened estrogen and progesterone signaling in the myometrium, and this could then conceivably lead to the initiation and progression of UF in the presence of other triggering factors such as obesity,44 certain genetic variants, and possibly also epigenetic alterations 10,36. Interestingly, BMI has been implicated in an increase of the risk of fibroid incidence.…”

“…There are a range of current management options: removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), removal of the fibroid lesions (myomectomy), uterine artery embolization, image-guided focused ultrasound thermal therapy, and, in mild cases, reassurance and observation 6,8,9. Currently, novel noninvasive treatment options for UFs – such as localized gene therapy, oral green tea extracts, and selective progesterone receptor modulators – are being explored by the authors’ laboratory and by others 8,10–13. A safe and effective oral treatment option for UFs would be a major advance in the field and it would have an immense impact on women’s health worldwide.…”

Synthesis, Functionalization, and Biomedical Applications of Multifunctional Magnetic Nanoparticles

“…[ 161 , 162 ] There are numerous gene delivery methods, such as microinjection, electroporation, microparticle bombardment, calcium phosphate co-precipitation, and liposome technology. [ 163 ] NP-based gene delivery systems are potentially more effective and active. For example, MNPs coated with adeno-associated virus (AAV) can encode green fl uorescent protein (GFP) by using a cleavable heparin sulfate linker.…”