Abstract
Controlled-release of various peptides has enabled the local and sustained action of various growth factors at a desired concentration, which is the concept of drug delivery system. Controlled-release is achieved by biodegradable materials such as gelatin, collagen. By using the controlled release system of bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) from gelatin hydrogel sheet or microspheres, we induced arteriogenesis in ischemic limb and infarcted heart. Combined with the ornentum including the gastroepiploic artery, bFGF has made it possible to revascularize even an avascular area on ischemic heart. Controlled-release of bFGF enhanced myogenesis of cell therapy including cardiomyocytes or skeletal myoblasts in infracted heart. Some researchers try to regenerate heart tissue by ex vivo cell culture through an approach of tissue engineering. In the field of heart and vessels, clinical application of some of those regeneration therapy is already under way, and the safety and the effectiveness of them are being evaluated discreetly.
