Research progress and challenges in stem cell therapy for diabetic foot: Bibliometric analysis and perspectives

BACKGROUND Stem cell therapy has shown great potential for treating diabetic foot(DF).AIM To conduct a bibliometric analysis of studies on the use of stem cell therapy for DF over the past two decades,with the aim of depicting the current global research landscape,identifying the most influential research hotspots,and providing insights for future research directions.METHODS We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for all relevant studies on the use of stem cell therapy in DF.Bibliometric analysis was carried out using CiteSpace,VOSviewer,and R(4.3.1)to identify the most notable studies.RESULTS A search was conducted to identify publications related to the use of stem cells for DF treatment.A total of 542 articles published from 2000 to 2023 were identified.The United States had published the most papers on this subject.In this field,Iran’s Shahid Beheshti University Medical Sciences demonstrated the highest productivity.Furthermore,Dr.Bayat from the same university has been an outstanding researcher in this field.Stem Cell Research&Therapy is the journal with the highest number of publications in this field.The main keywords were“diabetic foot ulcers,”“wound healing,”and“angiogenesis.”CONCLUSION This study systematically illustrated the advances in the use of stem cell therapy to treat DF over the past 23 years.Current research findings suggested that the hotspots in this field include stem cell dressings,exosomes,wound healing,and adipose-derived stem cells.Future research should also focus on the clinical translation of stem cell therapies for DF.

MicroRNA-122-5p is upregulated in diabetic foot ulcers and decelerates the transition from the inflammatory to the proliferative stage

BACKGROUND Shifting from the inflammatory to the proliferative phase represents a pivotal step during managing diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs);however,existing medical interventions remain insufficient.MicroRNAs(miRs)highlight notable capacity for accelerating the repair process of DFUs.Previous research has demonstrated which miR-122-5p regulates matrix metalloproteinases under diabetic conditions,thereby influencing extracellular matrix dynamics.AIM To investigate the impact of miR-122-5p on the transition from the inflammatory to the proliferative stage in DFU.METHODS Analysis for miR-122-5p expression in skin tissues from diabetic ulcer patients and mice was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).A diabetic wound healing model induced by streptozotocin was used,with mice receiving intradermal injections of adeno-associated virus-DJ encoding empty vector or miR-122.Skin tissues were retrieved at 3,7,and 14 days after injury for gene expression analysis,histology,immunohistochemistry,and network studies.The study explored miR-122-5p’s role in macrophage-fibroblast interactions and its effect on transitioning from inflammation to proliferation in DFU healing.RESULTS High-throughput sequencing revealed miR-122-5p as crucial for DFU healing.qRT-PCR showed significant upregulation of miR-122-5p within diabetic skin among DFU individuals and mice.Western blot,along with immunohistochemical and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,demonstrating the upregulation of inflammatory mediators(hypoxia inducible factor-1α,matrix metalloproteinase 9,tumor necrosis factor-α)and reduced fibrosis markers(fibronectin 1,α-smooth muscle actin)by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor.Fluorescence in situ hybridization indicated its expression localized to epidermal keratinocytes and fibroblasts in diabetic mice.Immunofluorescence revealed enhanced increased presence of M1 macrophages and reduced M2 polarization,highlighting its role in inflammation.MiR-122-5p elevated inflammatory cytokine levels while suppressing fibrotic activity from fibroblasts exposed to macrophage-derived media,highlighting its pivotal role in regulating DFU healing.CONCLUSION MiR-122-5p impedes cutaneous healing of diabetic mice via enhancing inflammation and inhibiting fibrosis,offering insights into miR roles in human skin wound repair.