Laboratory of Silviu Itescu, MD
Principal Investigator
Silviu Itescu, M.D.
Background for Research focus:
The laboratory is basic science oriented, however involves a large focus on animal experiments with all projects aimed at clinical translational potential. The laboratory has previously worked on xenotransplantation, mechanical assist device immunobiology and currently our focus is on adult stem cell therapy for cardiovascular disease. We are sufficiently funded to explore a number of clinical indications and are able to create new investigational concentrations depending on the residents ability and needs.
Main Focus of the Laboratory:
Our work involves the use of adult stem cells for the creation of new blood vessels and induction of cardiomyocyte proliferation following experimental myocardial infarction. This results in significant improvement in cardiac function and the prevention of congestive heart failure. These findings are currently being translated to the clinic and we have initiated clinical trials in chronic angina and LVAD patients. Additionally understanding the mechanism and genes involved in protection of cardiomyoycte apoptosis we are able to selectively knock out genes in tumor models inducing increased tumor apoptotic death.
Current Projects:
- The use of stem cells for acute MI and CHF
- The use of DNAzyme technology (selectively knocks out genes) for the prevention of neointima growth following balloon injury of the carotid and femoral arteries.
- The use of DNAzyme to reduce tumor size in melanoma, breast, lung and ovarian cancer.
Recent Publications:
John R, Lietz K, Schuster M, Naka Y, Rao V, Mancini DM, Rose EA, Smith CR, Oz MC, Edwards NM, Itescu S. Immunologic sensitization in recipients of left ventricular assist devices. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2003 Mar;125(3):578-91.
Itescu S, Burke E, Lietz K, John R, Mancini D, Michler R, Rose E, Oz M, Edwards N.Intravenous pulse administration of cyclophosphamide is an effective and safe treatment for sensitized cardiac allograft recipients. Circulation. 2002 Mar 12;105(10):1214-9.
Lietz K, John R, Kocher A, Schuster M, Mancini DM, Edwards NM, Itescu S.Increased prevalence of autoimmune phenomena and greater risk for alloreactivity in female heart transplant recipients. Circulation. 2001 Sep 18;104(12 Suppl 1):I177-83.
Kocher AA, Schuster MD, Szabolcs MJ, Takuma S, Burkhoff D, Wang J, Homma S, Edwards NM, Itescu S. Neovascularization of ischemic myocardium by human bone-marrow-derived angioblasts prevents cardiomyocyte apoptosis, reduces remodeling and improves cardiac function. Nat Med. 2001 Apr;7(4):430-6.
Recent (last 5 years) Surgery Residents (Columbia and outside):
Alfred Kocher (University of Vienna)
Ranjit John
Piotr Witkowski
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