Effectiveness of prostaglandin E1 in patients with mixed arterial and venous ulcers of the lower limbs

Various Types of Wounds That Diabetic Patients Can Develop: A Narrative Review

Diabetic foot complications represent a substantial health burden and are the foremost cause of hospitalization in patients with diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to cause several other problems. Diabetes is rapidly becoming the leading cause of illness and death worldwide. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are one of the most painful complications of diabetes. These complications cause problems in blood vessels, nerves, and other organs throughout the body. DFU pathophysiology is attributed to a triad of neuropathies, trauma with secondary infection, and arterial occlusive disease. This review aims to identify the types of wounds that diabetics can develop. Owing to the complexity of their disease pathology, diabetics are susceptible to a variety of wounds, such as diabetic ulcers due to trauma (DUDT); neuropathic, ischemic, neuroischemic, arterial, venous, and mixed wounds; and diabetic bullae, furuncles, cellulitis, and carbuncles. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare providers to recognize the specific classification of a diabetic wound based on its distinctive attributes to provide appropriate wound care and therapeutic interventions. In the context of individuals with diabetes, it is of paramount significance to precisely identify the types of wounds during the initial evaluation to provide appropriate care and treatment, thereby enhancing the probability of favorable outcomes.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a link between complex pedal ulcers and poor clinical results after infrainguinal surgical revascularization

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to evaluate the influence of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on patency and clinical results after infrainguinal surgical revascularization for chronic limb ischemia.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 150 infrainguinal autologous bypasses performed to infragenicular popliteal artery or tibial vessels in 140 (93%) patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and in 10 (7%) with disabling claudication. NLR was calculated using blood samples obtained 24 hours preoperatively. The cohort was stratified into 2 groups according to interquartile ranges of NLR: "ELEVATED-NLR" (Quartile 4 N.=37) and "LOW-NLR" (Quartile 1-2-3 N.=113). Reperfused ulcers were described using the WIfI classification. Patency, freedom from MALE and amputation-free survival at 24 months were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate comparisons between NLR groups were performed using the Log-Rank test. Statistical differences on univariate analysis were adjusted in a multivariate model (Cox regression).

RESULTS

NLR values were similar between CLTI and claudication. Ischemic ulcers were more frequent, (83.4% vs. 59.3% P<0.01), more severe (W2-3: 37.8% vs. 22.1% P=0.01) and pedal infection was deeper (fI 2-3: 40.5% vs. 18.6% P=0.003) in "ELEVATED-NLR" group. Severe ischemia (I3) was similar between groups. High NLR values were independent predictors of patency loss (HR: 1.77 CI95% [1.01-3.10] P=0.04), MALE (HR: 2.04 CI95% [1.03-4.04] P=0.04) and worse amputation-free survival (HR:2.10 CI95% [1.06-4.14] P=0.03) rates at 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS

High preoperative NLR values are associated with severe and deep infected ulcers and predicts primary patency loss, higher major adverse limb events and worse amputation-free survival rates on long-term follow-up after infrainguinal surgical revascularization.

Current Status of Cell-Based Therapy in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia

(1) Background: The treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is focused on improving perfusion and oxygenation in the affected limb. Standard revascularization methods include bypass surgery, endovascular interventional procedures, or hybrid revascularization. Cell-based therapy can be an alternative strategy for patients with no-option critical limb ischemia who are not eligible for endovascular or surgical procedures. (2) Aims: The aim of this narrative review was to provide an up-to-date critical overview of the knowledge and evidence-based medicine data on the position of cell therapy in the treatment of PAD. The current evidence on the cell-based therapy is summarized and future perspectives outlined, emphasizing the potential of exosomal cell-free approaches in patients with critical limb ischemia. (3) Methods: Cochrane and PubMed databases were searched for keywords “critical limb ischemia and cell therapy”. In total, 589 papers were identified, 11 of which were reviews and 11 were meta-analyses. These were used as the primary source of information, using cross-referencing for identification of additional papers. (4) Results: Meta-analyses focusing on cell therapy in PAD treatment confirm significantly greater odds of limb salvage in the first year after the cell therapy administration. Reported odds ratio estimates of preventing amputation being mostly in the region 1.6–3, although with a prolonged observation period, it seems that the odds ratio can grow even further. The odds of wound healing were at least two times higher when compared with the standard conservative therapy. Secondary endpoints of the available meta-analyses are also included in this review. Improvement of perfusion and oxygenation parameters in the affected limb, pain regression, and claudication interval prolongation are discussed. (5) Conclusions: The available evidence-based medicine data show that this technique is safe, associated with minimum complications or adverse events, and effective.

Matrix metalloproteinases and risk stratification in patients undergoing surgical revascularisation for critical limb ischaemia

Critical limb ischaemia (CLI) is the most advanced form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and it is often associated with foot gangrene, which may lead to major amputation of lower limbs, and also with a higher risk of death due to fatal cardiovascular events. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) seem to be involved in atherosclerosis, PAD and CLI. Aim of this study was to evaluate variations in MMP serum levels in patients affected by CLI, before and after lower limb surgical revascularisation through prosthetic or venous bypass. A total of 29 patients (7 females and 22 males, mean age 73·4 years, range 65-83 years) suffering from CLI and submitted to lower extremity bypass (LEB) in our Institution were recruited. Seven patients (group I) underwent LEB using synthetic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft material and 22 patients (group II) underwent LEB using autogenous veins. Moreover, 30 healthy age-sex-matched subjects were also enrolled as controls (group III). We documented significantly higher serum MMPs levels (P < 0·01) in patients with CLI (groups I and II) with respect to control group (group III). Finally, five patients with CLI (17·2%) showed poor outcomes (major amputations or death), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test showed very high levels of MMP-1 and MMP-8. MMP serum levels seem to be able to predict the clinical outcomes of patients with CLI.

Development, Optimization, and Characterization of PEGylated Nanoemulsion of Prostaglandin E1 for Long Circulation

Lipo-PGE1 is the most widely used formulation of PGE1 in clinic. However, PGE1 is easier to leak out from lipo-PGE1 and this will lead to the phlebophlogosis when intravenous injection. The stability of lipo-PGE1 in storage and in vivo is also discounted. The aim of this study is to develop a long-circulating prostaglandin E1-loaded nanoemulsion modified with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG) to improve the stability and pharmacokinetics profiles of lipo-PGE1. PEGylated PGE1 nanoemulsion was prepared using a dispersing-homogenized method. The stability of nanoemulsion in 1 month was investigated. Pharmacokinetic studies were employed to evaluate the in vivo profile of the optimized nanoemulsion. The optimized nanoemulsion PGE1-PEG2000(1%)-NE showed an oil droplet size <100 nm with a surface charge of -14 mV. Approximately, 97% of the PGE1 was encapsulated in the nanoemulsion. The particle size, zeta potential, and drug loading of PGE1-PEG2000(1%)-NE were stable in 1 month. After PGE1-PEG2000(1%)-NE was intravenously administered to rats, the area under curve (AUC) and half-life of PGE1 were, respectively, 1.47-fold and 5.98-fold higher than those of lipo-PGE1 (commercial formulation). PGE1-PEG2000(1%)-NE was an ideal formulation for prolonging the elimination time of PGE1. This novel parenteral colloidal delivery system of PGE1 has a promising potential in clinic use.

PredyCLU: a prediction system for chronic leg ulcers based on fuzzy logic; part I - exploring the venous side

Chronic leg ulcers (CLUs) are a common occurrence in the western population and are associated with a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. They also cause a substantial burden on the health budget. The pathogenesis of leg ulceration is quite heterogeneous, and chronic venous ulceration (CVU) is the most common manifestation representing the main complication of chronic venous disease (CVD). Prevention strategies and early identification of the risk represent the best form of management. Fuzzy logic is a flexible mathematical system that has proved to be a powerful tool for decision-making systems and pattern classification systems in medicine. In this study, we have elaborated a computerised prediction system for chronic leg ulcers (PredyCLU) based on fuzzy logic, which was retrospectively applied on a multicentre population of 77 patients with CVD. This evaluation system produced reliable risk score patterns and served effectively as a stratification risk tool in patients with CVD who were at the risk of developing CVUs.

The use of growth factors, CD34(+) cells and fibrin for the management of chronic venous ulcers

Chronic venous ulceration represents a very common event. Current standard treatment includes local wound care with the application of compression. We report the effects of platelet-rich plasma in patients with chronic venous ulcers, which is able to stimulate fibroblasts, macrophages and mesenchymal cells and growth factors in order to achieve re-epithelialisation and neovascularisation within the microenviroment of the wound. We also documented the efficacy of this method as the sole treatment without surgical procedures.

Advances in Our Understanding of Oxylipins Derived from Dietary PUFAs

Oxylipins formed from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the main mediators of PUFA effects in the body. They are formed via cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and cytochrome P450 pathways, resulting in the formation of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, mono-, di-, and tri-hydroxy fatty acids (FAs), epoxy FAs, lipoxins, eoxins, hepoxilins, resolvins, protectins (also called neuroprotectins in the brain), and maresins. In addition to the well-known eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid, recent developments in lipidomic methodologies have raised awareness of and interest in the large number of oxylipins formed from other PUFAs, including those from the essential FAs and the longer-chain n-3 (ω-3) PUFAs. Oxylipins have essential roles in normal physiology and function, but can also have detrimental effects. Compared with the oxylipins derived from n-3 PUFAs, oxylipins from n-6 PUFAs generally have greater activity and more inflammatory, vasoconstrictory, and proliferative effects, although there are notable exceptions. Because PUFA composition does not necessarily reflect oxylipin composition, comprehensive analysis of the oxylipin profile is necessary to understand the overall physiologic effects of PUFAs mediated through their oxylipins. These analyses should include oxylipins derived from linoleic and α-linolenic acids, because these largely unexplored bioactive oxylipins constitute more than one-half of oxylipins present in tissues. Because collated information on oxylipins formed from different PUFAs is currently unavailable, this review provides a detailed compilation of the main oxylipins formed from PUFAs and describes their functions. Much remains to be elucidated in this emerging field, including the discovery of more oxylipins, and the understanding of the differing biological potencies, kinetics, and isomer-specific activities of these novel PUFA metabolites.

Aterofisiol(®) in carotid plaque evolution

Background

In patients with carotid stenosis, the risk of plaque rupture is related to the composition of the atherosclerotic plaque rather than to its magnitude. In this regard, we evaluated the effects of a supplement, Aterofisiol,^® containing omega-3 (EPA [eicosapen acid] DHA [docosahexaenoic acid]), vitamin K₂, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) and resveratrol on the composition of atherosclerotic plaque and on neurological symptoms in patients with carotid stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

Methods

The study was randomized, prospective, and double-blinded. Eligible patients were of both sexes, with carotid stenosis >70% who underwent endarterectomy. Enrolled patients were randomly allocated to receive either one tablet of acetylsalicylic acid 100 mg (Cardioaspirin^®) + one tablet of Aterofisiol every 24 hours or one tablet of Cardioaspirin + one tablet of placebo every 24 hours. Each treatment was started 30 days before the surgery and was stopped 5 days before the surgery. The plaques were removed “en bloc” using standard surgical technique.

Results

During the study period, 214 patients (135 men and 79 women) were enrolled for intent-to-treat and randomized in two groups: Group A: 107 patients (68 men and 39 women) were treated with Cardioaspirin + Aterofisiol. Group B: 107 patients (67 men and 40 women) were treated with Cardioaspirin + placebo. At the end of the study, 202 patients participated fully (103 patients in Group A and 99 patients in Group B), making up the protocol evaluation population (94.4%). The mean lipid content of removed plaques was significantly lower (P<0.05) in Group A. We recorded a significantly lower incidence of neurological symptoms in Group A in comparison with Group B (P<0.05).

Conclusion

In the study, Aterofisiol showed to be effective in reducing the amounts of cholesterol and lipids in the plaques and in reducing adverse neurological events in the study group with respect to controls.

Trophic effects of polynucleotides and hyaluronic acid in the healing of venous ulcers of the lower limbs: a clinical study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of treatment of venous lower limbs ulcers through the topical application of polynucleotides and hyaluronic acid gel (PNHA): Nucliaskin S™ (Mastelli srl, San Remo, Italy). This study was carried out in 39 consecutive patients who were randomly allocated to two groups: group I (20 patients) received treatment with PNHA (topical gel application two times a week, for a total of 6 weeks); group II (19 patients) received only hyaluronic acid (HA) topical application. All patients received a surgical debridement of the ulcerative lesions before topical treatment with PNHA or HA. Pre-treatment data indicated the area of ulceration. The number of healed ulcers and the variation in area of ulceration were considered as endpoints. The endpoints were observed after 45 days from the beginning of treatment. Complete wound healing occurred in 60% of limbs of group I and in 22% of those of group II patients. The average area reduction was 67% versus 34% in patients of group I and II, respectively. No side effects were recorded in both groups. Our experience shows that PNHA has an elevated trophic effect and speeds the healing rate of venous lower limb ulcers. This treatment may be a valid option in clinical practice.