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The Role of the Stem Cells Therapy in the Peripheral Artery Disease
Federico Biscetti1,2, Nicola Bonadia3,4, Elisabetta Nardella5,6
1Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, U.O.C. Clinica Medica e Malattie Vascolari, 00168 Roma, Italy. f.biscetti@gmail.com.
Insights
Peripheral arterial disease, a complication of diabetes mellitus, often leads to amputation despite revascularization attempts. Stem cell therapy presents a promising avenue for treating this condition and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
- Diabetology
Background:
- Vascular complications of diabetes mellitus, particularly peripheral arterial disease (PAD), significantly impair quality of life and lifespan.
- Current treatments, including revascularization, are often ineffective, frequently leading to major amputations.
- There is a critical unmet need for effective and definitive treatments for diabetic PAD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on stem cell therapy for peripheral arterial disease in diabetic patients.
- To explore the potential role of stem cells in managing this complex pathology.
- To identify stem cells as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for diabetic vascular complications.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search for studies on stem cell therapy in diabetic peripheral arterial disease.
- Systematic review and synthesis of existing evidence.
- Analysis of stem cell mechanisms, efficacy, and safety.
Main Results:
- Stem cell therapy shows potential in preclinical and early clinical studies for improving limb perfusion and function in diabetic PAD.
- Various stem cell types are being investigated, with mesenchymal stem cells demonstrating particular promise.
- Further research is needed to optimize delivery methods, dosage, and long-term outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell therapy represents a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetic peripheral arterial disease, potentially offering an alternative to amputation.
- Identifying specific stem cell-derived biomarkers could aid in early diagnosis and treatment stratification.
- Rigorous clinical trials are essential to establish the definitive role and efficacy of stem cell therapy in this patient population.
Abstract:
Vascular complications of diabetes mellitus are an important issue for all clinicians involved in the management of this complex pathology. Although many therapeutic advances have been reached, peripheral arterial disease is still an unsolved problem that each year compromises the quality of life and life span of affected patients. Oftentimes, patients, after ineffective attempts of revascularization, undergo greater amputations. At the moment, there is no effective and definitive treatment available. In this scenario, the therapeutic use of stem cells could be an interesting option. The aim of the present review is to gather all the best available evidence in this regard and to define a new role of the stem cells therapy in this field, from biomarker to possible therapeutic target.
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