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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Long-term human growth hormone expression and partial phenotypic correction by plasmid-based gene therapy in an animal model of isolated growth hormone deficiency

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Author(s):
Oliveira, Nelio A. J. [1] ; Cecchi, Claudia R. [1] ; Higuti, Eliza [1] ; Oliveira, Joao E. [1] ; Jensen, Thomas G. [2] ; Bartolini, Paolo [1] ; Peroni, Cibele N. [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] IPEN CNEN, Dept Biotechnol, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Aarhus, Inst Human Genet, Aarhus - Denmark
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE; v. 12, n. 7, p. 580-585, JUL 2010.
Web of Science Citations: 9
Abstract

Background A model for in vivo gene therapy based on electroporation of human growth hormone (hGH)-coding naked DNA in the muscle of dwarf (lit/lit) and immunodeficient dwarf (lit/scid) mice is described. Methods A plasmid containing the ubiquitin C promoter and the genomic hGH sequence was administered to the exposed quadriceps muscle, followed by electrotransfer using eight 50-V pulses of 20 ms at a 0.5-s interval. Serum hGH levels were determined after various days of DNA administration and a long-term body weight gain experiment was carried out. Results Serum hGH, determined 3 days after DNA administration, revealed a significant dose-response curve (p < 0.01) in the 0-50 gg range. Because 50 gg of plasmid DNA produced circulating hGH levels of 2-3 ng/ml for at least 12 days, a long-term body weight gain assay was carried out. After 60 days, the weight of treated lit/scid mice increased 33.1% compared to a 4.2% weight decrease for the control group. hGH circulating levels were of the order of 1.5-3 ng/ml throughout the experiment and the average weight increase during the first 10 days was comparable to that obtained upon regular daily injection of 10 gg of recombinant hGH per mouse, producing comparable circulating levels of the hormone. A lower, but still significant increase in body weight was obtained upon repeating the experiment in immunocompetent dwarf mice (lit/lit). Conclusions We report for the first time sustained levels of circulating hGH after intramuscular naked DNA administration and, consequently, a highly significant weight increase of dwarf `little' mice. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd. (AU)