Influence of Recombinant Codon-Optimized Plasmid DNA Encoding VEGF and FGF2 on Co-Induction of Angiogenesis

The study investigated the effects of gene and cell therapy on skin wound healing in 20 male Wistar rats using human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (hUCB-MC) transfected with VEGF and FGF2 genes. The transfected cells enhanced wound healing by promoting revascularization and reducing proliferative processes earlier than untransfected cells. The dual gene expression plasmid pBud-VEGF165-FGF2 was effective in direct gene therapy, significantly increasing the expression of VEGF and FGF2 genes, which are crucial for angiogenesis. The study concluded that hUCB-MC transfected with these genes could be a promising approach for treating skin wounds, as they accelerated regeneration and improved blood flow, protecting skin flaps from ischemic injury.