Exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells: A potential therapeutic strategy for diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers are among the most severe complications of the lower limb in patients with diabetes. As the immune resistance decreases due to the long-term exposure to hyperglycemic microenvironment, the wound often fails to heal, leading to a poor prognosis. Foot ulcers have a high risk of amputation and mortality rates making it a growing health concern. Recently, exosomes derived from adipose mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to promote tissue healing, making them a popular topic in cell-free therapies. This article focuses on the risk factors leading to the development of diabetic foot ulcers and the mechanisms of non-healing with the hope to provide new directions or targets for future diabetic foot ulcer treatment. Additionally, this article clarifies the potential mechanisms of action of exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells in promoting the healing of diabetic foot ulcers and discusses its clinical application and limitations. This review aims to provide effective scientific evidence for research on the mechanism and clinical application of exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.