Efficacy of low-level light therapy for treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Topical Administration of Teucrium polium on Diabetic Foot Ulcers Accelerates Healing: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Study

Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most devastating complications of uncontrolled diabetes. Although there have been advances in the management of diabetic foot ulcers, still diabetic foot ulcers are a major cause of many amputations in diabetic patients. Teucrium polium (T. polium) is widely used by folk medicine practitioners in Iran for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.The present study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical T. polium ointment besides the standard treatment in diabetic foot ulcers.A total of 70 diabetic patients with foot ulcers grade 1 or 2 according to Wagner's scale were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in both groups received standard treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. In addition, group 1 received topical T. polium ointment, and group 2 received topical placebo ointment for 4 weeks. The T. polium and placebo ointments were rubbed twice daily two hours before the conventional dressing. The ulcer size, healing time, and laboratory tests were measured in both groups at baseline and end of the study after 4 weeks.Twenty-nine patients remained in the T. polium group and 26 in the placebo group until the end of the study. The mean surface area of ulcers was 3.52 ± 1.47 and 3.21 ± 1.67 cm2 in T. polium group and placebo group respectively at baseline which decrease to .717 ± .19 and 1.63 ± .72 cm2 respectively at the endpoint. The mean ulcer surface area was significantly lower in T. polium compared with the placebo group (p < .0001) at end of the study. Also, the number of patients that completely recovered in the T. polium group was significantly higher than the placebo group (p < .001) at the end of the study.The addition of topical T. polium ointment to standard treatment significantly improves the healing time of diabetic non-infected foot ulcers.

Photobiomodulation CME part II: Clinical applications in dermatology

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is an emerging treatment modality in dermatology with increasing office and home-based use. PBM is the use of various light sources in the red light (620-700 nm) and near-infrared (700-1440 nm) spectrum as a form of light therapy. PBM is often administered through low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes. Studies show that PBM can be used effectively to treat conditions secondary to cancer therapies, alopecia, ulcers, herpes simplex virus, acne, skin rejuvenation, wounds, and scars. PBM offers patients many benefits compared to other treatments. It is noninvasive, cost-effective, convenient for patients, and offers a favorable safety profile. PBM can be used as an alternative or adjuvant to other treatment modalities including pharmacotherapy. It is important for dermatologists to gain a better clinical understanding of PBM for in-office administration and to counsel patients on proper application for home-use devices to best manage safety and expectations as this technology develops. PBM wavelengths can induce varied biological effects in diverse skin types, races, and ethnicities; therefore, it is also important for dermatologists to properly counsel their skin of color patients who undergo PBM treatments. Future clinical trials are necessary to produce standardized recommendations across conditions and skin types.

Transcranial photobiomodulation improves insulin therapy in diabetic microglial reactivity and the brain drainage system

The dysfunction of microglia in the development of diabetes is associated with various diabetic complications, while traditional insulin therapy is insufficient to rapidly restore the function of microglia. Therefore, the search for new alternative methods of treating diabetes-related dysfunction of microglia is urgently needed. Here, we evaluate the effects of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) on microglial function in diabetic mice and investigate its mechanism. We find tPBM treatment effectively improves insulin therapy on microglial morphology and reactivity. We also show that tPBM stimulates brain drainage system through activation of meningeal lymphatics, which contributes to the removal of inflammatory factor, and increase of microglial purinergic receptor P2RY12. Besides, the energy expenditure and locomotor activity of diabetic mice are also improved by tPBM. Our results demonstrate that tPBM can be an efficient, non-invasive method for the treatment of microglial dysfunction caused by diabetes, and also has the potential to prevent diabetic physiological disorders.

Diabetic foot wound ulcer management by laser therapy: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis examination was implemented to review diabetic foot wound ulcer (DFWU) management by laser therapy (LT). A broad literature examination until May 2023 was done and 1357 interconnected examinations were revised. The 26 elected examinations, enclosed 1067 personals with DFWU were in the utilized examinations 'starting point, 540 of them were utilizing LT, and 527 were utilizing control. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to appraise the DFWUs management by LT by the dichotomous and continuous approach and a fixed or random model. LT had significantly higher ulcer size decreases (MD, 17.04; 95% CI, 12.48-21.59, p < 0.001) with high heterogeneity (I2  = 99%), and complete healing rate (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.89-4.37, p < 0.001) with no heterogeneity (I2  = 0%) compared with control in personals with DFWU. LT had significantly higher ulcer size decreases, and complete healing rate compared to control in personals with DFWU. Nevertheless, exercise caution while interacting with its values since all the chosen examinations were found with a low sample size for the comparisons in the meta-analysis.

Electromechanical therapy in diabetic foot ulcers patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most devastating and troublesome consequences of diabetes. The current therapies are not always effective because of the complicated aetiology and interactions of local and systemic components in DFU. However, adjunctive therapy (electromechanical therapy) has become the latest modality in recent years, although there is a lack of significant research to support its utilization as a treatment standard. The purpose of this systematic research was to review the literature on the application of electromechanical therapies in the healing of DFUs.

Methods

For this systematic review, we searched PubMed, Medline, EmBase, the Cochrane library, and Google Scholar for the most current research (1990-2022) on electromechanical therapies for DFUs. We used the PICO method (where P is population, I is intervention, C is comparator/control, and O is outcome for our study) to establish research question with the terms [Electromechanical therapy OR Laser therapy OR photo therapy OR Ultrasound therapy OR Shockwave therapy] AND [diabetic foot ulcers OR diabetes] were used as search criteria. Searches were restricted to English language articles only. Whereas, Cochrane handbook of "Systematic Reviews of Interventions" with critical appraisal for medical and health sciences checklist for systematic review was used for risk of bias assessment. There were 39 publications in this study that were deemed to be acceptable. All the suitably selected studies include 1779 patients.

Results

The meta-analysis of 15 included research articles showed the overall effect was significant (P = 0.0002) thus supporting experimental groups have improvement in the DFUs healing in comparison to the control group.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed electromechanical treatments are significantly viable options for patients with DFUs. Electromechanical therapy can considerably reduce treatment ineffectiveness, accelerate healing, and minimize the time it takes for complete ulcer healing.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01240-2.

Physical therapy in diabetic foot ulcer: Research progress and clinical application

Diabetes foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most intractable complications of diabetes and is related to a number of risk factors. DFU therapy is difficult and involves long-term interdisciplinary collaboration, causing patients physical and emotional pain and increasing medical costs. With a rising number of diabetes patients, it is vital to figure out the causes and treatment techniques of DFU in a precise and complete manner, which will assist alleviate patients' suffering and decrease excessive medical expenditure. Here, we summarised the characteristics and progress of the physical therapy methods for the DFU, emphasised the important role of appropriate exercise and nutritional supplementation in the treatment of DFU, and discussed the application prospects of non-traditional physical therapy such as electrical stimulation (ES), and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the treatment of DFU based on clinical experimental records in ClinicalTrials.gov.

Efficacy and safety of CO2 laser in the treatment of chronic wounds: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Trial

OBJECTIVES

Treating chronic cutaneous wounds is challenging, and debridement is a central concept in treating them. Studies have shown that CO₂ laser debridement can control local infection and promote the wound healing process. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of fully ablative CO₂ laser debridement compared to routine surgical debridement in the treatment of chronic wounds.

METHODS

The retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with chronic (>1 month) cutaneous wounds (≥1 cm² ) between December 1, 2017, and December 1, 2020, in the Wound Healing Center at Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, China. Patients treated with CO₂ laser debridement with a DEKA SmartXide2 C80 (DEKA) (the CO₂ laser group) were compared with matched control patients with similar baseline characteristics who had undergone routine surgical debridement (the routine group). The primary outcome was time-to-heal (days) for chronic wounds in two groups, and secondary outcomes included the wound area and BWAT (Bates-Jensen wound assessment tool) score before treatment, and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

The study included 164 patients (82 in the CO₂ laser group and 82 matched in the routine group). The time-to-heal for patients in the CO₂ laser group (41.30 ± 17.11) was significantly shorter than that of the patients in the routine group (48.51 ± 24.32) (p = 0.015). At 3 and 4 weeks after treatment, the absolute wound area of the CO₂ laser group was significantly smaller than that of the routine group. Also, the CO₂ laser group exhibited a significantly lower relative area at 2, 3, and 4 weeks after treatment. The CO₂ laser group yielded significantly lower BWAT scores at 2, 3, and 4 weeks after treatment. Additionally, the relative BWAT score was significantly lower in the CO₂ laser group than the relative scores in the routine group at 2, 3, and 4 weeks after treatment. No adverse events related to the treatments were observed in either group during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study has shown that fully ablative CO₂ laser debridement has several advantages over routine sharp surgical debridement. It is superior at ameliorating wound status and reducing wound area, and it also significantly reduces the time-to-heal for chronic wounds, without causing any adverse events.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are considered one of the most aggressive and expensive complications of diabetes. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been highlighted as a potential modality of treatment to accelerate the healing of ulcers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of LLLT in the treatment of DFU and identify the LLLT application parameters recommended for the treatment of DFU over the past 10 years. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, BVS, PEDro, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL up to March 31, 2019. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effect of LLLT on the treatment of DFU were included. Thirteen RCTs with a total of 361 participants were included in this review. Three RCTs reported a reduction in the percentage size of the ulcers and were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of the percentage size difference demonstrated a significant reduction in ulcer size in the LLLT group compared with controls (22.96 [95% confidence interval = 18.22-27.69; z = 9.51, P < .0001]). Treatment with 632.8 to 685 nm, 50 mW/cm2, 3 to 6 J/cm2, and irradiation for 30 to 80 seconds, 3 times weekly for a month is of benefit to patients with DFU. LLLT is effective and safe for the treatment of DFU. Additionally, well-designed, high-quality studies are needed to allow its ideal parameterization for clinical practice.

Photobiomodulation (low-level light therapy) and dry eye disease

Dry eye disease is one of the most common, chief-complaints presenting in clinical practice, with a prevalence of up to 50%. Evaporative dry eye, as a result of meibomian gland dysfunction, is thought to be the biggest component factor. Treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction aim to restore tear film homoeostasis and include warm compress therapy, eyelid hygiene, in-office meibomian gland expression and lipid-containing, artificial tears. A recent introduction to the in-office treatments available for meibomian gland dysfunction has been low-level light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation. The technique involves applying red, or near infra-red, radiation using low-power light sources and is suggested to promote tissue repair, decrease inflammation, and relieve pain. This work aims to review the available literature on the efficacy and safety of photobiomodulation in meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye disease, as well as what is currently known about its mechanism of action.

The effect of low-level laser therapy on diabetic foot ulcers: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Our purpose was to perform a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and Wanfang databases were searched systematically up to August 27, 2020. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. A total of 13 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 413 patients were analysed. Compared with the control group, LLLT significantly increased the complete healing rate (risk ratio [RR] = 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56‐2.83, P < .00001), reduced the ulcer area (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 3.52, 95% CI 1.65‐5.38, P = .0002), and shortened the mean healing time (SMD = −1.40, 95% CI −1.90 to −0.91, P < .00001) of patients with DFUs. The quality of the evidence was very low according to the GRADE system. LLLT is a promising and effective adjuvant treatment to accelerate the healing of DFUs. Further evidence from larger samples and higher quality RCTs is needed to prove the effect of LLLT and to determine the most appropriate parameters for the healing of DFUs.

An Innovative National Programme for Comprehensive Chronic Wound Therapy and Its Impact on Treatment Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Although the lifetime prevalence of chronic ulcers tends to be approximately 2.2-10 per 1000 population, no systemic solutions for this problem have been implemented in many countries. It is still not fully agreed whether treatment of chronic wounds requires hospitalization, which incurs high costs, or whether the therapy can be carried out entirely in an outpatient setting. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the 5-year activity and effectiveness of a national programme for the comprehensive treatment of chronic wounds based on hybrid care for patients. Treatment of nonhealing chronic wounds begins in the hospital, where necessary diagnostic actions are carried out, followed by surgical cleansing of the wound and selection of appropriate dressings. Then, the treatment is continued in the outpatient setting with a continuous patient education. The programme is divided into four subsequent stages. In addition, the present study compared the effectiveness of chronic wound treatment with that in the period before implementation of the programme.

METHODS

From January 2015 to December 2019, 383 patients were treated at a centre for chronic wounds. We analysed the outcomes in 227 individuals with chronic venous ulceration or diabetic foot syndrome.

RESULTS

The mean wound area at the time of introduction of treatment was 36 cm2 (1-290; SD 34). After three stages of treatment, wounds were completely healed in 139 patients (61.2%), 78 patients with venous ulcers (55.3%) and 61 patients with diabetic foot (70.9%). In an additional 67 cases (29.5%), a significant reduction in wound area and depth was achieved, and the treatment was continued beyond the actual treatment programme. No significant effect was achieved in 21 patients (9.2%). In the group of patients treated without systematic application of the guidelines of the programme, wound healing occurred only in 19 cases (26.8%), reduction in the wound area occurred in 27 patients (38.0%), and lack of any healing progress or even worsening of the wound status was found in the remaining 25 cases (35.2%); these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Treatment of chronic wounds based on a systematic dedicated programme using an experienced multidisciplinary team of professionals allows to obtain better results in terms of reduction in wound area and might be an effective procedure. The combination of frequent, scheduled outpatient visits, access to inpatient treatment, and regular education of patients based on a standard form improves treatment outcomes.

Efficacy of low-level light therapy for improving healing of diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Diabetic foot ulcers are prevalent among patients with diabetes and negatively affect mortality and life expectancy. This study aimed to synthesize and systematically review the best evidence to assess the efficacy of low-level light therapy in improving healing of diabetic foot ulcers. We search CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception until September 30, 2019. Meta-analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis 3.0 software. Overall effect was measured using Hedges' g and determined using the Z-statistic at a significance level of P < .05. Heterogeneity was assessed using χ² and I² statistics. Twelve randomized controlled trials were included. Meta-analysis revealed that 30.90% of the ulcer area was significantly reduced in the therapy group compared with the control group (Z = 3.95, P < .001) with a very large effect (g = 2.81). A 4.2 cm² reduction of the ulcer area was observed in the therapy group compared with the control group (Z = 2.17, P = .03) with a very large effect (g = 1.37). In addition, diabetic foot ulcers in the therapy group was 4.65 times more likely to heal completely than those in the control group (Z = 3.02, P = .003). Low-level light therapy accelerates wound healing and reduces the size of diabetic foot ulcers. However, our review does not allow any recommendation for the best treatment parameters required to achieve improved healing. Future trials need to include a good design and large sample size in defining the optimal treatment parameters for ulcers of different sizes.

Nonpharmacological Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: An Update

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as substantial economic burden for the health care system. The standard of care for DFUs includes pressure off-loading, sharp debridement, and wound moisture balance, along with infection control and management of peripheral arterial disease. A variety of advanced modalities that target distinct pathophysiological aspects of impaired wound healing in diabetes are being studied as possible adjunct therapies for difficult to heal ulcers. These modalities include growth factors, stem cells, cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes, bioengineered skin substitutes, acellular bioproducts, human amniotic membranes, oxygen therapy, negative pressure wound therapy, and energy therapies. Additionally, the use of advanced biomaterials and gene delivery systems is being investigated as a method of effective delivery of substances to the wound bed. In the present narrative review, we outline the latest advances in the nonpharmacological management of DFUs and summarize the efficacy of various standard and advanced treatment modalities.

CO2 Laser Debridement and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Endoscopic Support for Treatment of Sinus Wound at the Ischial Tuberosity: Case Report

The sinus tract of the ischial tuberosity is often caused by pressure injury. It has the characteristics of difficult treatment and high cost, which increases the anxiety of patients and reduces the quality of life of patients. This case report is to describe an effective method to treat sinus wound at the ischial tuberosity. A 53-year-old male suffered pressure ulcer with sinus wound at the left ischial tuberosity due to inadequate walking and sedentary activity. On the basis of pressure relief and immobilization, the patient was treated with CO₂ laser debridement and negative pressure wound therapy under endoscope support 3 times, the deep of the sinus wound was completely closed, and then the residual superficial wound was treated by skin grafting. Follow-up of 1 year after healing showed no recurrence of wound.

Involvement of Aquaporins in the Intense Pulsed Light-Enhanced Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We previously demonstrated that intense pulsed light (IPL) irradiation prior to wounding improved the wound healing in rats with diabetes mellitus (DM). Also, we found that IPL upregulated the expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3), a protein that is crucial for wound healing, in normal rats. This present study aimed to examine the involvement of AQPs in the IPL-enhanced wound healing in diabetic rats.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were divided into four groups: normal group, DM only group, DM rats with IPL treatment 2 weeks before wounding (DM + IPL-Pre group), and DM rats with concurrent IPL irradiation and wounding (DM + IPL-Con group). Wounds were created on the dorsal skin of rats. The expressions of AQP1, 3, 4, 7, and 9 in the pre-injured skin, periwound, and wound were determined.

RESULTS

Among all the AQPs analyzed, only the expressions of AQP3 and AQP7 were significantly altered. Unirradiated diabetic rats showed much higher expression level of AQP3 in the regenerating skin compared with normal rats. IPL pretreatment, but not concurrent treatment, attenuated the expression toward the level detected in the normal wounds. In contrast, a lower expression level of AQP7 was noted in the regenerating skin of DM only rats and IPL pretreatment upregulated the expression to a level similar to that in the normal rats.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effect of IPL pretreatment on the wound healing in diabetic rats might involve a mechanism by which the expression of AQPs is regulated. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Sunlight and health: shifting the focus from vitamin D3 to photobiomodulation by red and near-infrared light

Both sun exposure and serum vitamin D levels have been associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality and chronic age-related diseases, e.g., cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, in epidemiological studies. These associations have mainly been ascribed to beneficial effects of vitamin D. However, a vast body of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and Mendelian randomization studies have failed to confirm any major health benefits from vitamin D supplementation. In this review, we present tentative evidence showing that red and near-infrared light, both being present in sunlight, could explain the associations between sunlight exposure and better health status. Body irradiation with red and near-infrared light, usually termed as photobiomodulation (PBM), has demonstrated beneficial effects in animal models of chronic diseases. Beyond this, preliminary evidence from RCTs suggest potential clinical benefit from PBM for chronic diseases. PBM is currently being investigated in many pre-registered clinical trials, results of which will eventually clarify the role of red and near-infrared light in the prevention and treatment of common age-related chronic diseases.

Auto-Administered Photobiomodulation on Diabetic Leg Ulcers Treatment: A New Way to Manage It?

Background

Peripheral arterial disease is a dramatic consequence of an uncontrolled diabetic condition causing an increase of morbidity and mortality and its treatment is currently medical or surgical, finally requiring, in the 7–20% of cases, major or minor amputation. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) is a laser treatment used in medicine, thanks to its ability to stimulate the wound healing, the acceleration of inflammatory process, and the modulation of pain. Recently, the self-administration of the treatment has been suggested for different purposes in medicine and dentistry with a great number of advantages and no side effects.

Methods

A 84-year-old woman affected by diabetes type 2 and positive for diabetes complications had diagnosis for an ulcerative lesion of 1 cm diameter on her right leg and started a treatment of the lesion applying the B-Cure Laser Pro (Erika Carmel, Haifa, Israel) on her own with a fluence per minute of 3.2 J/cm² for 2 sessions of 15 minutes by cutaneous application.

Results

After a week of treatment, the ulcer dried and crusted, finally providing complete healing after 30 days of treatment.

Conclusion

With this short case report, we think to add a further contribution by suggesting this kind of treatment for successful management of the leg ulcers in diabetic patients.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Phototherapy With Light-Emitting Diodes for Sensitive Skin: A Pilot Study

Sensitive skin (SS) syndrome is defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations in response to stimuli that should normally not induce such sensations. It affects ~50% of women and 40% of men and can impact the quality of life. There is no consensus on therapeutic management. Phototherapy by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is increasingly being used in dermatology for various inflammatory skin disorders with significant reduction in SS-10 and good tolerability. A Korean study suggested its efficacy in alleviating SS symptoms associated with other facial diseases. Our objective is to obtain preliminary data on the efficacy of phototherapy with LEDs for alleviating SS symptoms and increasing tolerance in subjects with SS that is not associated with other facial skin disorders. This monocentric pilot study included 30 subjects with SS who had a Sensitive Scale-10 score ≥40. The treatment consisted of red LED light exposure twice a week until significant reduction in SS-10 with a maximal treatment length of 8 weeks. The primary outcome was defined by a 60% decrease in the SS-10 score compared to the baseline.

Results: Thirty subjects were included; 83% were women, and the mean age was 28.9 years. Two participants were considered lost to follow-up. The cheeks (90%) and the nose (70%) were the most frequently involved parts of the face. Cold, heat, temperature variation, water and sun were the most frequent triggering factors. Twenty-eight subjects (93.3%, 95% CI 77.9 to 99.2%) achieved the primary outcome. Significant reduction in SS-10 was achieved in 77% of subjects in six sessions or fewer. The mean (SD) SS-10 scores were 54.7 (12.1) at inclusion, 14.4 (6.0) at the last session and 13.9 (7.5) 2 months after the last session, suggesting that the benefits persist for a few weeks. Two side effects were reported: both were allergic reactions to the nickel contained in the protective goggles. This pilot study had a small sample size and no control group. LEDs were effective in treating SS in all 28 subjects who completed the study in accordance with the protocol, and the benefits persisted for 2 months after the last LED therapy session.

[Application of semiconductor LED laser generators in otorhinolaryngology]

The review article provides brief data on the classification of lasers in medicine, the history of the use of therapeutic lasers. The problems of the use of semiconductor lasers in inflammatory diseases of various etiologies, as well as in various diseases of ENT organs, in particular, in diseases of the middle ear are considered.

Heparin-poloxamer hydrogel-encapsulated rhFGF21 enhances wound healing in diabetic mice

Wound healing, especially for diabetic wounds, is a lengthy and complicated process involving interactions and responses at the protein, cell, and tissue levels. Loading of growth factors into a hydrogel to construct a sustained-release system is considered a promising approach to improve wound healing. The present study investigates the effect of thermosensitive heparin-poloxamer (HP) hydrogel-encapsulated recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 21 (rhFGF21) on wound healing in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. First, we studied the in vitro release of rhFGF21 from the rhFGF21-HP coacervate. The results showed that HP might control the release of rhFGF21. Next, we examined the effect of rhFGF21-HP on skin wound healing in diabetic mice. Our data showed that rhFGF21-HP significantly improved wound closure; promoted granulation, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization; and enhanced the expression of CD31. Moreover, rhFGF21-HP had obvious advantages in diabetic wound healing. Therefore, the results suggest that the rhFGF21-HP hydrogel polymer plays an important role in skin wound healing. This work provides a suitable sustained-release delivery system that can continuously release rhFGF21 and presents a promising therapeutic strategy for wound healing in patients with diabetes.-Liu, H., Zhao, Y., Zou, Y., Huang, W., Zhu, L., Liu, F., Wang, D., Guo, K., Hu, J., Chen, J., Ye, L., Li, X., Lin, L. Heparin-poloxamer hydrogel-encapsulated rhFGF21 enhances wound healing in diabetic mice.

A Critical Review on Selected External Physical Cues and Modulation of Cell Behavior: Magnetic Nanoparticles, Non-thermal Plasma and Lasers

Physics-based biomedical approaches have proved their importance for the advancement of medical sciences and especially in medical diagnostics and treatments. Thus, the expectations regarding development of novel promising physics-based technologies and tools are very high. This review describes the latest research advances in biomedical applications of external physical cues. We overview three distinct topics: using high-gradient magnetic fields in nanoparticle-mediated cell responses; non-thermal plasma as a novel bactericidal agent; highlights in understanding of cellular mechanisms of laser irradiation. Furthermore, we summarize the progress, challenges and opportunities in those directions. We also discuss some of the fundamental physical principles involved in the application of each cue. Considerable technological success has been achieved in those fields. However, for the successful clinical translation we have to understand the limitations of technologies. Importantly, we identify the misconceptions pervasive in the discussed fields.