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Updated: May 11, 2026
04:09
Prospective, Randomized, and Controlled Study of a Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injection for Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Published on: March 3, 2023
Diabetes impairs adipose tissue-derived stem cell function and efficiency in promoting wound healing
Francesca Cianfarani1, Gabriele Toietta, Giuliana Di Rocco
1Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
Summary
Diabetes impairs the function of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs), reducing their ability to promote wound healing. This finding impacts the use of autologous ASCs for treating diabetic ulcers.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Stem Cell Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) show promise in tissue repair.
- Their efficacy in treating diabetic ulcers requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the therapeutic potential of autologous versus allogeneic ASCs in diabetic ulcer treatment.
- To functionally characterize diabetic ASCs and compare them to nondiabetic ASCs.
Main Methods:
- Isolated stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and cultured ASCs from type 1 diabetic mice.
- Assessed proliferative potential, migration, surface marker expression, and growth factor release.
- Evaluated the effect of diabetic ASC supernatant on keratinocyte and fibroblast function.
- Administered diabetic SVF to wounds in diabetic mice and compared healing to nondiabetic controls.
Main Results:
- Diabetic ASCs exhibited reduced proliferation and migration.
- Altered surface marker expression was observed in diabetic SVF and ASCs.
- Diabetic ASCs released lower levels of key growth factors (HGF, VEGF-A, IGF-1).
- Supernatant from diabetic ASCs showed diminished capacity to enhance keratinocyte and fibroblast activity.
- Therapeutic effect of diabetic SVF on wound healing was significantly blunted compared to nondiabetic SVF.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes negatively impacts the intrinsic properties and function of ASCs.
- Impaired ASC function compromises their therapeutic potential for autologous treatment of diabetic ulcers.
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