Liposomal gene transfer of multiple genes is more effective than gene transfer of a single gene

Liposomal gene transfer is an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of several pathophysiologic states. The purpose of the present study was to define whether gene transfer of multiple genes is a feasible approach and whether this approach would be more effective than the single transfer of cDNA. Rats were inflicted an acute wound and divided into four groups to receive weekly subcutaneous injections of liposomes plus the Lac-Z gene (0.22 mug, vehicle), or liposomes plus the insulin like-growth factor-I (IGF-I) cDNA (2.2 mug) and Lac Z gene (0.22 mug), or liposomes plus the keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) cDNA (2.2 mug) and Lac Z gene ( 0.22 mg), or liposomes plus the IGF-I/KGF cDNA ( 2.2 mg) and Lac Z gene (0.22 mug). Planimetry, immunological assays, histological and immunohistochemical techniques were used to determine molecular mechanisms after gene transfer, protein expression, dermal and epidermal regeneration. IGF-I/KGF cDNA transfer increased IGF-I and KGF protein concentration and caused concomitant cellular responses, for example, by increasing IGFBP-3, P<0.05. IGF-I/KGF cDNA gene transfer improved epidermal regeneration by exhibiting the most rapid area and linear wound reepithelization by almost 250% compared to control and each growth factor given individually, P<0.001, which was probably due to promitogenic and antiapoptotic effects on basal keratinocytes when compared to controls, P<0.001. Dermal regeneration was improved in IGF-I/KGF cDNA-treated animals by an increased collagen deposition and morphology when compared with vehicle, IGF-I and KGF, P<0.001. IGF-I/KGF cDNA increased VEGF concentrations and thus neovascularization when compared with vehicle, IGF-I and KGF, P<0.001. In the present study, we showed that exogenous gene transfer of multiple cDNA sequences have an additive effect on intracellular and biological responses when compared to the same gene administered as a single cDNA sequence. Our findings demonstrate that gene therapy with multiple genes is feasible, and that the gene transfer of multiple genes can enhance and accelerate physiologic and biological effects.