Abstract: An in vitro method of producing stem cells with potential to develop into cardiovascular myocytes is disclosed which comprises culturing myogenic stem cells obtained from the stromal or mesenchymal compartment of adult adipose tissue in a medium that favors myogenic development of the cells. These myogenic stem cells highly express telomerase and myocardin. A composition comprising fat-derived myogenic stem cells and/or differentiated cardiovascular myocytes and a method for treating a mammalian subject suffering from a cardiovascular disorder are also disclosed.

Abstract: A recombinant adeno-associated virus is used to transduce the cells of a tissue graft ex vivo. More specifically, rAAV encoding a therapeutic protein is delivered to a vascular graft to prevent smooth muscle cell proliferation or thrombosis in the graft. The cells are transfected ex vivo with the recombinant virus carrying a gene known to inhibit the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. The methods can be used for the treatment of restenosis, vascular thrombosis, balloon injury or other vascular pathology.

Abstract: An infrared, heat-sensing catheter particularly useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries and its use are detailed. In one embodiment, an infrared fiberoptic system (with or without ultrasound) is employed at the tip of the catheter to locate inflamed, heat-producing, atherosclerotic plaque, which is at greater risk for rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery. In another embodiment, a catheter with an infrared detector (with or without ultrasound) employed at its tip will likewise locate inflamed heat-producing atherosclerotic plaque. The devices and methods of the invention may be used to detect abscesses, infection, and cancerous regions by the heat such regions differentially display over the ambient temperature of immediately adjacent tissues.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for gene transfer of cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms alone or in conjunction with administration of one or more fatty acid substrate for the COX isoform (e.g., dihommo-?-linoleic acid (DGLA)) are disclosed. Methods for enhancing synthesis of the prostaglandins E1 (PGE1) and prostacyclin (PGI2), without marked local production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are also disclosed. The compositions and methods are valuable for protection of vascular conduits, kidney function, airway patency, and renal, cardiac, and other allografts, and promoting increased vascular flow, mucus secretion and bicarbonate secretion as protective factors against gastric and duodenal ulcers.