Importance

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Abstract

Methods are provided for stimulating angiogenesis in a human or animal in need thereof. Also provided are compositions comprising an angiogenic factor in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to the human or other animal a therapeutically effective amount of an angiogenic factor, such as a pleiotrophin or midkine protein, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The carrier in one embodiment comprises a controlled release matrix, such as a polymer, that permits controlled release of the angiogenic factor. The polymer may be biodegradable and/or bioerodible and preferably biocompatible. Polymers which may be used for controlled release include, for example, poly(esters), poly(anhydrides), and poly(amino acids). Exemplary polymers include silk elastin poly(amino acid) block copolymers and poly-lactide-co-glycolide. In a further embodiment, the angiogenic factor may be provided in a carrier comprising a liposome, such as a heterovesicular liposome. The carrier, such as a liposome, may be provided with a targeting ligand capable of targeting the carrier to a preselected site in the body. The angiogenic factor may be administered to the vascular system, for example the cardiovascular system, or the peripheral vascular system. In a preferred embodiment, the angiogenic factor is a pleiotrophin protein, or a midkine protein. In another embodiment, a method is provided for stimulating angiogenesis in a human or animal comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a gene transfer vector encoding the production of pleiotrophin or midkine protein in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The gene transfer vector may be, for example, naked DNA or a viral vector, and may be administered, for example, in combination with liposomes.

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First Claim