Introduction:Exosomes derived from Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs-Exo)
have been implicated in the enhancement of wound repair in Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU). Objective:
The current research was designed to explore the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms
of ADSCs-Exo modified with microRNA-125b (miR-125b) in the context of DFU.Methods:Rat models with DFU and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) subjected
to high glucose (HG) conditions served as experimental systems and were administered
miR-125b-engineered ADSCs-Exo. Then, the expressions of CD34, Ki-67, angiogenesis-related
factors (VEGF and TGFβ-1), angiogenesis inhibitor DLL-4, and inflammation-related proteins
(TLR-4 and IL-6) were detected.Results:MiR-125b was upregulated in ADSCs-Exo. MiR-125b-mimics transfection in ADSCs-
Exo reduced inflammatory infiltration and promoted granulation formation and wound healing
in wound tissues. MiR-125b-mimics-modified ADSCs-Exo injection increased the expression of
CD34, Ki-67, VEGF, and TGFβ-1, whereas decreased the expression of DLL-4, TLR-4, and IL-6
in wound tissues of DFU rats. In addition, miR-125b-mimics-ADSCs-Exo injection reversed the
negative effects of HG on the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HUVECs, as well as
the positive effects of cell apoptosis. Moreover, miR-125b-inhibitor-ADSCs-Exo injection had the
opposite effects to miR-125b-mimics-ADSCs-Exo.Conclusion:ADSCs-Exo promoted wound healing of DFU rats, especially when overexpressing
miR-125b.