Angiogenic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Therapeutic Target for Enhancing Diabetic Wound Healing

Impaired wound-healing activity in diabetes could result from several factors, including severely damaged angiogenic responses, which can affect wound healing process to cause delayed wound repair. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to enhance wound healing via multiple effects, including promoting angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo; however, the mechanisms involved in enhancing diabetic wound healing are barely understood. This article reviews the recent literatures on MSCs treatment for promoting angiogenesis or vascularization in diabetic wounds and the potential mechanisms involved, with an emphasis on the role of paracrine soluble factors. Meanwhile, the potential benefits and related risks associated with the therapeutic use of MSCs have been presented and may lead to better understanding of the influence of MSCs without increasing potential risks. Further investigation will be required to determine the molecular basis of paracrine mechanisms and regulated angiogenesis of MSCs for its rational manipulation for impaired angiogenesis repair and diabetic wound healing.