Gene therapy for lung emphysema

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【Objective】 Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is implicated in the development and regeneration of a variety of tissues. Our preliminary study revealed a strong expression of KGF in human tracheal cartilage. 【Methods】To clarify the role of KGF in cartilage wound healing, we examined the expression of KGF and its receptor (KGFR) immunohistochemically in the wound healing area of rat tracheal cartilage with incision, and the direct effect of recombinant KGF upon the proliferation and differentiation of primary cultured rat chondrocytes.【Results】 Although a similar expression of KGF in the cartilage and perichondrium area was observed before and after the operation, the KGFR expression, was induced after the operation and limited in the proliferating chondrocytes. Moreover, in vitro experiments with primary cultured chondrocytes revealed that KGF at 200 ng/ml significantly increased the number of chondrocytes about 1.5-fold, accompanying a significant decrease in asid mucopolysaccharide production. 【Conclusion】 These results indicate the stimulation of chondrocytes proliferation by KGF and, therefore, the possibility to manipulate the wound healing process of tracheal cartilage by the administration of KGF in clinical settings.