p53 gene therapy modulates signal transduction in the apoptotic and cell cycle pathways downregulating neointimal hyperplasia.

PURPOSE

To investigate the molecular mechanisms that lead to inhibition of intimal hyperplasia (IH) following p53 gene therapy.

METHODS

In vivo p53 gene transfer to balloon injured rat carotid arteries was performed by utilizing adenovirus. The relationship between p53, p21, retinoblastoma protein (Rb), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bax, and Bcl-x was examined by immunohistochemistry. Expression of cyclin D1, Fas/CD95, and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) was determined.

RESULTS

Our data indicate increased expression of p53 in the nuclei of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the media (P < .01) compared with the controls. In the treated animals, Bax and Bcl-x, p21, and Rb were significantly upregulated (P < .01). Immunoreactivity to Bcl-2 was observed only in the neointima of untreated groups at 14 days. An increased presence of Fas and decreased expression of PARP was observed in the cytoplasm of the VSMCs of p53-treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

P53 gene transfer activated a battery of downstream effector genes whose products are directly involved in cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis.