Identification of Two Biomarkers That Could Predict Healing Outcomes in Diabetic Foot Ulcers
A groundbreaking study identifies two biomarkers, c-myc and p-GR, with potential to predict healing outcomes in diabetic foot ulcers, paving the way for improved patient management.
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) present significant clinical challenges due to their high risks of morbidity, disability, amputation, and mortality. Despite extensive research efforts, reliable biomarkers to accurately predict healing outcomes of DFUs remain elusive. A recent study led by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Diabetic Foot Consortium (DFC), published in Wound Repair and Regeneration, has shed light on potential predictive biomarkers.
The research focused on two specific markers: c-myc and phosphorylated-glucocorticoid receptor (p-GR), measured in wound tissue samples. The study analyzed baseline tissue collected from 107 patients with active DFUs, evaluating the nuclear presence of these proteins through immunohistochemical techniques. While initial findings showed similar average levels of these biomarkers in both healing and non-healing ulcers, p-GR levels aligned with the hypothesis that they might serve as indicators of healing potential.
Notably, the study demonstrated the feasibility of integrating tissue biomarker analysis into prospective DFU research, resulting in a comprehensive, well-characterized biorepository of wound tissue linked to clinical outcomes. This resource will underpin future studies aimed at discovering or validating new predictive markers. The research highlighted the complexities in identifying strong predictive biomarkers but emphasized the importance of building infrastructure and data resources to advance understanding.
According to Dr. Marjana Tomic-Canic from the University of Miami, this study lays important groundwork for future biomarker discovery in DFU management. The ongoing expansion of this biorepository combined with advanced technologies like spatial transcriptomics and proteomics promises to open new avenues in identifying reliable biomarkers, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The study underscores that although significant progress has been made, further work is essential to develop robust predictive tools. The resource generated by this research sets the stage for continued investigation into molecules and technologies that could lead to more accurate predictions of wound healing in diabetic patients.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-biomarkers-diabetic-foot-ulcer-outcomes.html
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