Electrical Stimulation and Expression of VEGF, VEGFR-2, HIF and NO in the Diabetic Foot Ulcer

The Effect of Electrical Stimulation on the Expression of VEGF, VEGFR-2, HIF and NO in the Diabetic Foot Ulcer

The purpose of this study is to determine whether electrical stimulation is effective in the expression of VEGF, VEGFR-2, HIF-1α and NO and healing in diabetic foot ulcer.

30 type 2 diabetic patients with ischemic foot ulceration were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to electrical stimulation (ES, n=15) or sham ES (placebo, n=15) groups. ES group received cathodal direct current for 1 h/day, 3 days/week, for 4 weeks (12 sessions). Wound fluid sample was collected for VEGF, VEGFR-2, HIF-1α and NO measurement in the first and last treatment sessions before and after intervention. Wound surface area (WSA) was measured at 1st, 6th, and 12th session.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ischemic diabetic foot ulcer
• Wagner classification DFU 2
• 0.5<ABI<0.9
• Mild to moderate diabetic neuropathy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Fracture in a lower limb
• A severe infection
• A malignancy
• Kidney failure
• Skin diseases
• Osteomyelitis
• Pregnancy