[Wound treatment in diabetes patients and diabetic foot ulcers]

Effects of different treatment measures on the efficacy of diabetic foot ulcers: a network meta-analysis

Introduction

Through a network meta-analysis, we compared different treatment measures for patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), assessing their impact on the healing of DFU and ranking them accordingly.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Embase, the WanFang and the WeiPu database. The retrieval time was from database establishment to January 2024, and retrieval entailed subject and free words. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with different treatment measures for DFU were included. Data extraction and evaluation were based on the PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses using pairwise and network methods were employed to compare and rank the effectiveness of different treatments for DFU.

Results

Ultimately, we included 57 RCTs involving a total of 4,826 patients with DFU. When it comes to ulcer healing rates, compared to standard of care(SOC),platelet-rich plasma(PRP), hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT), topical oxygen therapy(TOT), acellular dermal matrix(ADM), and stem cells(SCs) in both direct meta-analysis(DMA) and network meta-analysis(NMA) can effectively increase the complete healing rate. For Scs+PRP, a statistically significant improvement was only observed in the NMA. Moreover, when compared to the negative pressure wound therapy(NPWT) group, the PRP+NPWT group was more effective in promoting the complete healing of ulcers. In terms of promoting the reduction of ulcer area, no statistical differences were observed among various treatment measures. When it comes to ulcer healing time, both PRP and NPWT can effectively shorten the healing time compared to SOC. Furthermore, when compared to the NPWT group, the combined treatment of PRP and ultrasonic debridement(UD) with NPWT is more effective in reducing healing time. In terms of amputation rates and adverse reactions, the PRP group effectively reduced the amputation rate and adverse reactions for patients with DFU. Additionally, compared to the NPWT group, the combined treatment of PRP and UD with NPWT reduced the incidence of adverse reactions. However, no significant differences were observed among other treatment measures in terms of amputation rates and adverse reactions. The ranking results showed that the efficacy of PRP+NPWT and UD+NPWT in promoting ulcer healing, reducing ulcer area, shortening healing time, decreasing amputation rates and adverse reactions is superior to that of the alone PRP group, NPWT group, and UD group. Conversely, the SOC group demonstrates the least effective performance in all aspects.

Conclusion

Due to the particularity of the wound of DFU, the standard of care is not effective, but the new treatment scheme has a remarkable effect in many aspects. And the treatment of DFU is not a single choice, combined with a variety of methods often achieve better efficacy, and will not bring more adverse reactions.

Correlation between inflammatory factors, autophagy protein levels, and infection in granulation tissue of diabetic foot ulcer

OBJECTIVE

To observe the expression of inflammatory factors and autophagy-related proteins in granulation tissue of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients and analyze their relationship with infection.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study. One hundred and fifty-two patients with DFU in our hospital from July 2020 to March 2022 were selected as the DFU group, including 98 cases in infection stage group and 54 cases in infection control group. The patients were further graded as the mild (51 cases), the moderate (65 cases), and the severe infection group (36 cases) according to the Wagner grading criteria. Sixty-seven patients with foot burns during the same period were selected as the control group. The distribution of pathogenic bacteria on the ulcer surface was examined using fully automated bacterial analyzer. The expression of inflammatory factors (procalcitonin [PCT], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) was valued by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Protein expression was measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The correlation was analyzed by Pearson.

RESULTS

The surface infection of DFU patients was mostly induced by gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa predominating among the Gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus among the gram-positive bacteria. The infection stage group had higher content of PCT, TNF-α, and IL-6 and lower content of Beclin-1 and LC3 than the infection control group (p < .001). The levels of PCT, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the DFU patients with cardiovascular events were higher than those in the nonoccurrence group (p < .001). Glycated hemoglobin in patients with DFU was positively correlated with PCT, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels (p < .05), and negatively correlated with Beclin-1 and LC3 levels (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were predominant bacterial in DFU infections. Inflammatory factor and autophagy protein expression were closely correlated with the degree of infection.

Effect of Diabetes on Wound Healing: A Bibliometrics and Visual Analysis

Objective

The quality of life of diabetic patients is seriously affected by wound healing difficulty, which can lead to increased infection, skin deep tissue injury and continuous pain. By analyzing the research trends and hot spots in this field, the visualization analysis map is constructed.

Methods

The contents of the selected articles were sorted out and analyzed by bibliometrics. We use CiteSpace, Vosviewer and HistCite to visualize literature information, including national publication statistics, institutions, authors, journal partnerships, and citations of published articles.

Results

Among the 2942 articles, the United States and China ranked first in both article circulation and TGCS, and many countries also cooperated. The collaboration between schools and research institutions is a core part of dissertation research institution collaboration, with most authors coming from the same institution. Most of the literature studies on the mechanisms and methods of promoting diabetic wound healing. Improving cell function or making innovative attempts in local treatment are the fruits of researchers' efforts to promote diabetic wound healing in recent years.

Conclusion

Through the metrology method, the time distribution, author institution, cooperation network, research status, research hotspot and development trend of the literature on the influence of diabetes on wound healing were intuitively displayed, which provided a reference for further research and development direction.

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The probiological healing effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) during tissue repair has recently gathered much attention. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) receiving PRP or conventional treatment to evaluate their efficacy.

METHODS

PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were comprehensively searched by 2 independent reviewers following PRISMA guidelines for the inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PRP with conventional treatments for DFUs. The primary measurements of healing rate and healing time, the methodological quality and extracted data were assessed using Review Manager 5.3. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 10 RCTs involving 550 patients were included in this study, PRP was observed to significantly improve the healing rate (risk ratio [RR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.82, P = 0.02) and shorten the healing time (mean difference [MD] = -23.23, 95% CI -45.97 to -0.49, P = 0.05) of patients with DFU when compared to the conventional treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to conventional treatment, PRP effectively promoted the healing of patients with DFU by evidently improving the healing rate and healing time.

Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: a systematic review

Background

With the increasing incidence of diabetes, diabetic foot ulcer(DFU) has become one of the most common and serious complications in people with diabetes. DFU is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and can also result in significant economic, social and public health burdens. Due to peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, hyperglycemic environment, inflammatory disorders and other factors, the healing of DFU is impaired or delayed, resulting in the formation of diabetic chronic refractory ulcer. Because of these pathological abnormalities in DFU, it may be difficult to promote wound healing with conventional therapies or antibiotics, whereas platelet-rich plasma(PRP) can promote wound healing by releasing various bioactive molecules stored in platelets, making it more promising than traditional antibiotics. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to summarize and analyze the efficacy of PRP in the treatment of DFU.

Methods

A literature search was undertaken in PubMed, CNKI, EMB-ASE, the Cochrane Library, the WanFang Database and the WeiPu Database by computer. Included controlled studies evaluating the efficacy of PRP in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. The data extraction and assessment are on the basis of PRISMA.

Results

Twenty studies were evaluated, and nineteen measures for the evaluation of the efficacy of PRP in DFU treatment were introduced by eliminating relevant duplicate measures. The efficacy measures that were repeated in various studies mainly included the rate of complete ulcer healing, the percentage of ulcer area reduction, the time required for ulcer healing, wound complications (including infection rate, amputation rate, and degree of amputation), the rate of ulcer recurrence, and the cost and duration of hospitalization for DFU, as well as subsequent survival and quality of life scores. One of the most important indicators were healing rate, ulcer area reduction and healing time. The meta-analysis found that PRP was significantly improve the healing rate(OR = 4.37, 95% CI 3.02-6.33, P < 0.001) and shorten the healing time(MD = -3.21, 95% CI -3.83 to -2.59,P < 0.001)of patients with DFU when compared to the conventional treatment, but there was no significant difference in reducing the of ulcer area(MD = 5.67, 95% CI -0.77 to 12.11,P =0.08>0.05 ).

Conclusion

The application of PRP to DFU can improve ulcer healing rate and shorten ulcer healing time, but more clinical data are needed to clarify some efficacy measures. At the same time, a standardized preparation process for PRP is essential.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) in diabetes and its complications: Recent advances in mechanisms of action

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and impaired islet secretion that places a heavy burden on the global health care system due to its high incidence rate, long disease course and many complications. Fortunately, garlic (Allium sativum L.), a well-known medicinal plant and functional food without the toxicity and side effects of conventional drugs, has shown positive effects in the treatment of diabetes and its complications. With interdisciplinary development and in-depth exploration, we offer a clear and comprehensive summary of the research from the past ten years, focusing on the mechanisms and development processes of garlic in the treatment of diabetes and its complications, aiming to provide a new perspective for the treatment of diabetes and promote the efficient development of this field.

Prognostic Value of Histological and Immunohistochemical Data in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers are an extremely urgent medical and social problem throughout the world. The purpose of this study was to analyse the histological and immunohistochemical features of tissues and cells of different sections of wounds taken during the primary surgical treatment of chronic wounds in patients with diabetic foot syndrome with favourable and unfavourable outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A clinical prospective observational study of the treatment outcomes of fifty-three patients with diabetic foot ulcers hospitalized twice in one specialized centre over the course of the year was conducted. The analysis of histological and immunohistochemical data of the tissues of the edges and the centre of the ulcer taken during the primary surgical treatment was performed. While performing histological analyses of wound tissues, special attention was given to the determination of cellular characteristics of leukocyte-necrotic masses, granulation tissue, and loose and dense connective tissue. Immunohistochemistry was performed using a set of monoclonal antibodies, allowing verification of neutrophilic leukocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells.

RESULTS

Unfavourable outcomes (amputation, reamputation, death from cardiovascular diseases, nonhealing ulcer within a year) were registered in 52.8% of cases. Uniform distribution of neutrophils and endothelial cell fibroblasts in all parts of the wound was recorded in patients with a favourable outcome. An unfavourable outcome was predetermined by the uneven content of these cells with a significant increase in neutrophilic leukocytosis in the bottom of the wounds, as well as a significant decrease in the number of fibroblasts and endotheliocytes in the centre of the wounds.

CONCLUSIONS

The datasets obtained during primary surgical treatment are extremely informative to predict the outcome of the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and indicate more active surgical strategies with the potential to reduce the treatment time, increase its effectiveness, and eventually make the treatment cost-effective.

Influencing factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers: A meta‐analysis

This study aims to systematically review and identify the related influencing factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs)in diabetic patients. We searched PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang and VIP databases to identify eligible studies published before March 31, 2022 to collect case-control studies or cohort studies on the related influencing factors for the recurrence of DFUs. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, and extracted data. Also, they assessed the risk of bias of the included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4.1 software. 20 studies were included; 4238 patients were enrolled, in which 1567 were in the DFU recurrence group and 2671 were in the non-recurrent DFU group. Risk factors for the recurrence of DFUs included diabetic peripheral neuropathy (odds ratio [OR] = 4.05, 95% CI, 2.50-6.58, P < 0.00001), peripheral vascular disease (OR = 3.94, 95% CI, 2.65-5.84, P < 0.00001), poor blood glucose control (OR = 3.27, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.79-3.84, P < 0.00001), plantar ulcer (OR = 3.66, 95% CI, 2.06-6.50, P < 0.00001), osteomyelitis (OR = 7.17, 95% CI, 2.29-22.47, P = 0.0007), smoking (OR = 1.98, 95% CI, 1.65-2.38, P < 0.00001), history of amputation (OR = 11.96, 95%CI, 4.60-31.14, P < 00001), multidrug-resistant bacterial infection (OR = 3.61, 95%CI, 3.13-4.17, P < 0.00001), callus (OR = 5.70, 95%CI, 1.36-23.89, P = 0.02), previous diabetic foot ulcer (OR = 4.10, 95% CI, 2.58-6.50, P < 0.00001), duration of previous diabetic foot ulcer >60d (OR = 1.02, 95% CI, 1.00-1.03, P = 0.004), history of vascular intervention (OR = 3.20, 95% CI, 2.13-4.81, P < 0.00001) and Wagner grade III/IV (OR = 4.40, 95% CI, 2.21-8.78, P < 0.0001). However, no significant differences were found in age, duration of diabetes, body mass index, total cholesterol or foot deformity. Recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers is affected by a variety of factors. Thus, we should focus on high-risk groups and take targeted interventions as soon as possible to reduce the recurrence rate of DFUs, because of the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more rigorous studies with adequate sample sizes are needed to verify the conclusion.

Analysis of curative effect of insulin external application on burn wounds of diabetic patients with different depths

To explore the curative effect of insulin external application on burn wounds of diabetic patients with different depths. A retrospective analysis of 114 diabetic burn patients in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2019 to June 2022. According to the different treatment methods, they were divided into study group (insulin therapy) and control group (conventional therapy) with 57 cases in each. The wound healing time, dressing changes, scar healing after wound healing and adverse events were compared between two groups. Pain level, serum inflammatory factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and oxidative stress factors before and after treatment were compared. The wound healing time (17.23 ± 2.18 vs 20.31 ± 2.09 days) and the number of dressing changes (7.01 ± 1.23 vs 8.93 ± 1.32 times) in study group were significantly lower than those in control group (P < 0.05). Before treatment, there was no difference in pain level, VEGF, interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) between two groups (P > 0.05). However, the pain level, scar healing, IL-1, TNF-a and MDA in study group were significantly lower than those in control group after treatment (P < 0.05). And the VEGF and SOD in study group was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). External application of insulin can shorten the wound healing time of diabetic patients with different depths, reduce the number of dressing changes, promote scar healing after wound healing, relieve pain and reduce the level of inflammatory factors, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Emerging Delivery Strategies of Platelet-Rich Plasma with Hydrogels for Wound Healing

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a platelet-rich plasma concentrate obtained from whole blood, has been widely used to treat wounds due to its high contents of growth factors that can not only play a role in the hemostasis, repair, and anti-infection of wounds but also promote cell proliferation, maturation, and angiogenesis. However, after PRP activation, its clinical effect was limited because of burst and uncontrolled release of growth factors and poor mechanical properties of PRP gels. In recent years, increasing attention has been moved to the loading and sustained release of growth factors in PRP by polymeric carriers. Hydrogels, as an interesting carrier, enable controlled delivery of growth factors by structural designs. Moreover, using hydrogels to encapsulate PRP is favorable to controlling the mechanical properties and water maintenance of PRP gels, which can provide a stable and moist wound repair environment to promote coordinated operations of skin tissue cells and cytokines as well as wound healing. In this review, the state of the art of hydrogels that have been used to load PRP for wound treatments is introduced, and further prospects in the research area are proposed.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data Features to Evaluate the Efficacy of Compound Skin Graft for Diabetic Foot

This study aimed to analyze the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data characteristics based on the deep learning algorithm in evaluating the treatment of diabetic foot (DF) with composite skin graft. In this study, 78 patients with DF were randomly rolled into the experimental group (composite skin graft) and control group (autologous skin graft) with 39 patients in each group. MRI scans were performed before and after treatment to compare the changes of experimental observation indicators such as healing time, recurrence rate, and scar score. The results showed that T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) of the scanning sequence was considerably increased in the experimental group after treatment. The signal intensity of fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and fat-suppressed T1WI enhancement sequences was considerably decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, compared with the control group, the recurrence rate, healing time, and scar score in the experimental group were considerably decreased (P < 0.05). The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of MRI imaging information in evaluating the therapeutic effect of DF patients were 85.2%, 89.75%, and 86.47%, respectively. According to the specificity and sensitivity, the subject operating characteristic curve was drawn, and the area under the curve was determined to be 0.838. In summary, MRI image data characteristics based on the deep learning algorithm can provide auxiliary reference information for the efficacy evaluation of compound skin transplantation for DF.

B1 siRNA Increases de novo DNA Methylation of B1 Elements and Promotes Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats

Alu (B1 in rodents) hypomethylation, commonly found in diabetes mellitus patients, increases DNA damage and, consequently, delays the healing process. Alu siRNA increases Alu methylation, reduces DNA damage, and promotes cell proliferation.

Aim: To explore whether B1 siRNA treatment restores B1 hypomethylation, resulting in a reduction in DNA damage and acceleration of the healing process in diabetic rat wounds.

Methods: We generated splinted-excisional wounds in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I diabetic rat model and treated the wounds with B1 siRNA/Ca-P nanoparticles to generate de novo DNA methylation in B1 intersperse elements. After treatment, we investigated B1 methylation levels, wound closure rate, wound histopathological structure, and DNA damage markers in diabetic wounds compared to nondiabetic wounds.

Results: We reported that STZ-induced diabetic rat wounds exhibited B1 hypomethylation, wound repair defects, anatomical feature defects, and greater DNA damage compared to normal rats. We also determined that B1 siRNA treatment by Ca-P nanoparticle delivery restored a decrease in B1 methylation levels, remedied delayed wound healing, and improved the histological appearance of the wounds by reducing DNA damage.

Conclusion: B1 hypomethylation is inducible in an STZ-induced type I diabetes rat model. Restoration of B1 hypomethylation using B1 siRNA leads to increased genome stability and improved wound repair in diabetes. Thus, B1 siRNA intervention may be a promising strategy for reprogramming DNA methylation to treat or prevent DNA damage-related diseases.

Photobiomodulation at 830 nm Stimulates Migration, Survival and Proliferation of Fibroblast Cells

PURPOSE

Photobiomodulation (PBM) promotes diabetic wound healing by favoring cell survival and proliferation. This study aimed to investigate the potential of PBM in stimulating cellular migration, viability, and proliferation using the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway.

METHODS

The study explored the in vitro effects of near infrared (NIR) light on cell viability (survival) and proliferation as well as the presence of TGF-β1, phosphorylated TGF-β receptor type I (pTGF-βR1) and phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic-homolog (Smad)-2/3 (p-Smad2/3) in different fibroblast cell models.

RESULTS

Results show a significant increase in cellular migration in wounded models, and increased viability and proliferation in irradiated cells compared to their respective controls. An increase in the presence of TGF-β1 in the culture media, a reduction in pTGF-βR1 and a slight presence of p-Smad2/3 was observed in the cells.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that PBM at 830 nm using a fluence of 5 J/cm² could induce cell viability, migration and proliferation to favor successful healing of diabetic wounds. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the molecular and cellular effect of PBM and showcases the suitability of PBM at 830 nm in managing diabetic wounds.

Clinical Study on the Efficacy of Silver Ion Dressing Combined with Prontosan Gel Dressing in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers and the Effect on Serum Inflammatory Factors

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) have a high disability rate and have a great impact on patients and society, and the search for effective and economical treatment options is a major clinical concern. In this study, 112 patients with DFU admitted to two hospitals from October 2018 to November 2020 were randomly divided into 56 cases each in the single group treated with Prontosan gel dressing and the joint group treated on silver ion dressing combined with Prontosan gel dressing. Both groups of patients were evaluated for efficacy after 30 days of treatment. The number of days for debridement, granulation tissue growth time, epithelial tissue formation time, and wound healing time were observed and recorded in both groups. The trauma area, visual analogue score (VAS), and levels of inflammatory factors such as vascular endothelial adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were recorded before and after treatment in both groups. The occurrence of adverse reactions such as edema, fever, infection, and rash during treatment was recorded in both groups for safety assessment. Comparison of the abovementioned data showed that the clinical efficacy of the joint group was significantly higher than that of the single group. The number of days to clear wounds, granulation tissue growth time, epithelial tissue formation time, and wound healing time were significantly lower in the joint group than in the single group. The trauma area, VAS score, VCAM-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP levels decreased in both groups after treatment compared with the pretreatment levels, with the joint group being lower than the single group. The results also showed that the difference in the overall incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups was not statistically significant, and the incidence was low and transient. In addition to the usual treatment regimen of blood glucose control and improvement of microcirculation for patients with DFU, combined treatment with silver ionomer dressings and Prontosan gel dressings can promote ulcer healing and improve foot wound regression. It has a stronger antibacterial effect and can more effectively reduce the inflammatory response of the ulcerated surface with fewer adverse effects, making it an effective and safe method for the treatment of DFU, and has implications for promotion.