Electrical Stimulation and Expression of VEGF and NO in Diabetic Foot Ulcer

The Effect of Low-intensity Direct Current on the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Nitric Oxide in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

This study aimed to investigate the effect of low intensity cathodal direct current on the release of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO) in diabetic foot ulceration.

Twenty type 2 diabetic patients with foot ulceration and 13 age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to electrical stimulation (ES, n=10) or sham ES (placebo, n=10) groups. ES group received cathodal direct current for 1 h/day, 3 days/week, for 4 weeks (12 sessions). Blood sample was collected for VEGF and NO measurement in the first and last treatment sessions before and after intervention. Wound surface area (WSA) and skin temperature were measured at 1st, 6th, and 12th session.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Wagner classification DFU 2;
• age 40-60 years;
• mild to moderate diabetic neuropathy;
• ABI>0.7
• wound surface area>1.5cm2

Exclusion Criteria:

• fracture in a lower limb,
• a severe infection,
• a malignancy,
• kidney failure,
• skin diseases,
• osteomyelitis,
• pregnancy,