REGULATION OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR (VEGF) GENE EXPRESSION IN TISSUE VIA THE APPLICATION OF ELECTRIC AND/OR ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS

摘要

Methods and devices for the regulation of gene expression in tissue by applying an electric and/or electromagnetic field generated by specific and selective signals so as to treat diseases, conditions, and/or tissue. Gene expression is the up-regulation or down-regulation of the process whereby specific portions (genes) of the human genome (DNA) are transcribed into mRNA and subsequently translated into protein. Methods and devices are described for the regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) protein gene expression in endothelial cells of various targeted tissues via the capacitive coupling or inductive coupling (e.g., by electrodes or one or more coils or other field generating devices disposed with respect to the targeted cells) of specific and selective signals to the cells of these tissues, where the resultant electric and/or electromagnetic fields treat diseased or injured tissues. The resulting methods and devices are useful for the targeted treatment of peripheral vascular disease, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, wound healing, tendon and ligament healing, in preventing tumor growth or spread, and other conditions in which VEGF protein may be implicated.