Cardiovascular stents have become an increasingly popular way to treat atherosclerosis, however, they can also damage the arteries they are implanted into to protect. Scientists have found that by coating the devices with damage-controlling genes the stents do their job correctly and maintain the integrity of the artery. Although the researchers are unclear as to which genes they should use in order to gain an optimum effect, the results of this study have shown that the theory works. The authors predict that gene-coated stents will be available within 3 years.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Nature Biotechnology 2000; 18:1181-1184
