Adenovirus mediated gene delivery to the joints of guinea pigs

Objective. To clarify in vivo applicability of adenovirus mediated gene delivery to examine a gene therapy for human joint diseases. Methods. We directly injected vectors harbouring β-galactosidase gene and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 gene into the joints of Hartley guinea pigs. Expressions of delivered LacZ were examined by 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl- β-D-galactoside staining and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The levels of TGF-β1 that were delivered to the joint and then transferred to the joint fluid were assessed by ELISA. Results. LacZ expression was observed in almost all synovial tissue samples and in chondrocytes on the surface of degenerated cartilage. In the other organs, expression of delivered genes was not observed. For 2 weeks following gene delivery TGF-β1 levels in joint fluid were significantly higher than the levels in the controls for 2 weeks. Conclusion. Direct gene delivery into the joint cavity is feasible with the in vivo gene delivery method using adenovirus vector and would be clinically applicable.