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 μg, vehicle), or liposomes plus the insulin like-growth factor-I (IGF-I)cDNA (2.2 μg) and Lac Z gene (0.22 μg), or liposomes plus the keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) cDNA (2.2 μg) and Lac Z gene (0.22 μg), or liposomes plus the IGF-I/KGF cDNA (2.2 μg) and Lac Z gene (0.22 μg). 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