Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

06:55
Protocol to Create Chronic Wounds in Diabetic Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
Photobiomodulation Targets Mitochondrial Homeostasis for Diabetic Wound Healing
Feng Lai1, Yuxiu Mai2, Zhaodan Wang3
1School of Stomatology, Center of Oral Implantology, Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Tissue Engineering. Part B, Reviews
|June 27, 2026
Summary
Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy effectively accelerates diabetic wound healing by restoring mitochondrial homeostasis. This noninvasive approach improves energy metabolism, reduces inflammation, and enhances cell signaling pathways for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Mitochondrial Biology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a global health issue with impaired wound healing as a major complication.
- Mitochondrial homeostasis dysregulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation are key factors in diabetic wound pathophysiology.
- Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising noninvasive therapy for diabetic wound healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the mechanisms by which PBM restores mitochondrial homeostasis to accelerate diabetic wound healing.
- To explore the synergistic potential of PBM combined with advanced therapeutic strategies.
- To address challenges in clinical translation and propose future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of PBM's role in modulating mitochondrial function, dynamics, and inflammation in diabetic wounds.
- Analysis of PBM's impact on key signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
- Synthesis of studies combining PBM with hydrogels, nanomaterials, stem cells, and extracellular vesicles.
Main Results:
- PBM improves mitochondrial function by enhancing oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production via cytochrome C oxidase.
- PBM modulates mitochondrial dynamics, reduces oxidative stress, and promotes M1 to M2 macrophage polarization.
- PBM activates multiple signaling pathways (e.g., VEGF, PI3K/AKT, AMPK, TGF-β) crucial for healing.
- Combinations of PBM with other therapies show synergistic potential for enhanced efficacy.
Conclusions:
- PBM effectively restores mitochondrial homeostasis, offering a therapeutic strategy for diabetic wound healing.
- Combining PBM with advanced materials and cell-based therapies can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
- Standardization of PBM treatment parameters is crucial for successful clinical translation.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...
Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
Diabetic Neuropathy
DefinitionDiabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by long-standing diabetes mellitus. It results directly from prolonged high blood sugar levels.PathophysiologyThe pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy involves both metabolic and vascular disturbances triggered by chronic hyperglycemia.Metabolic injury: Elevated glucose levels activate the polyol pathway within nerve cells, leading to the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose. This increases oxidative stress, disrupts normal nerve...