Capillary enlargement, not sprouting angiogenesis, determines beneficial therapeutic effects and side effects of angiogenic gene therapy

Abstract

Efficient capillary enlargement leading to significant increases in tissue perfusion is needed to gain metabolic benefits after angiogenic gene therapy. However, the risk of systemic side effects can increase as the efficiency of angiogenic gene therapy is improved. Importantly, the unstable wall structure of the newly formed vessels seems not to compromise the metabolic benefits.