New research in the FASEB Journal demonstrates that a balanced
delivery of genes for angiogenic factors safely grows new blood
vessels in mice Bethesda, MD—A new research discovery by a team
of Stanford and European scientists offers hope that people with
atherosclerotic disease may one day be able to avoid limb
amputation related to ischemia. A new research report appearing
online in the FASEB Journal suggests that the delivery of genes
for two molecules naturally produced by the body, called "PDGF-
BB" and "VEGF" may successfully cause the body to grow new blood
vessels that can save ischemic limbs. "We hope that our findings
will ultimately develop into a safe and effective therapy for
the many patients, suffering from blocked arteries in the limbs,
who are currently not adequately treated by surgery or drugs,"
said Helen M. Blau, Ph.D., a senior researcher involved in the
work and Associate Editor of the FASEB Journal from the Baxter
Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology at the Institute for
Regenerative Medici