Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for diabetic foot ulcer

Abstract

Diabetic foot (DF) disease continues to be a major cause of mortality and disability. The pathophysiology of DF is multifactorial and includes neuropathy, infection, ischemia, and abnormal foot structure and biomechanics. Current therapies are limited; however, based on recent research efforts, there is rising hope for promising and more effective stem cell therapeutic approaches for these patients. In this review, we discuss mesenchymal stem cells as tools for cell/scaffold-based therapies for nonhealing wounds. We have reviewed the main clinical trials dividing them based on their clinical applications and taken into account the ethical issue associated with the stem cell therapy.

Keywords

• critical limb ischemia
• diabetic foot
• mesenchymal stem cells