Objective To introduce the studies on gene therapy for peripheral arterial disease(PAD) using plasmid DNA encoding human hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) gene. Methods Recent articles including preclinical and clinical studies were reviewed. Results Intramuscular injection of human HGF plasmid DNA into rat, rabbit, dog and diabetic hindlimb ischemic models, resulted in a significant increase in capillary density, blood flow and blood pressure. but no influence on tumor growth in mice. A clinical trial wasperformed in ischemic limbs of 6 critical limb ischemic patients, the result showed that no side effect caused by gene transfer was detected in all 6 patients.The pain scale and long diameter of ischemic ulcers were reduced. Conclusion Intramuscular injection of naked HGF plasmid DNA could be a safe and potential treatment for PAD.
Objective To approach the curative effect of laparoscopic rectum resection combined with per anus intersphincteric rectal dissection and colo anal anastomosis for patients with ultra-low rectal cancer. Methods Thirteen patients were prospectively studied from June 2005 to December 2007. There were 8 male and 5 female patients, with a mean age of 53 (range, 41-69) years. All the tumors located less than 5 cm above the anal verge. All the patients were treated with general anaesthesia and then went through the following procedures: lied the reverse Trendelenburg reforming lithotomy position, the laparoscope went inside the abdomen through two apertures, the hylus aperture (observing aperture) and the McBurney point aperture (main performing aperture). After the resection through the laparoscope, the operation was translocated to the perineal region, the anus was enlarged to expose the operation area. Results The operation on all cases succeeded, there was no operative mortality, and no stomal leak in all patients. The follow-up duration ranged from 1 to 30 months (mean 17 months). Up to now, one patient developed recurrence in pelvic cavity, and one suffered hepatic metastasis, there was no port-site implantation metastasis， 9 patients had satisfactory functional recovery of anus in the sixth month after operation. Conclusion The therapy laparoscopic rectum resection combined with per anus intersphincteric rectal dissection and colo-anal anastomosis for patients with ultra-low rectal cancer is a safe, minimally invasive, anal-preserving technique with reliablity in curative effect and satisfaction in anal sphincter function.