Human CD133+ Progenitor Cells Promote the Healing of Diabetic Ischemic Ulcers by Paracrine Stimulation of Angiogenesis and Activation of Wnt Signaling

The study demonstrated that human fetal aorta-derived CD133+ progenitor cells and their conditioned medium (CD133+ CCM) promoted the healing of diabetic ischemic ulcers in a mouse model by stimulating angiogenesis and activating the Wnt signaling pathway. The cells and their medium enhanced wound closure and angiogenesis through paracrine effects, primarily involving VEGF-A and IL-8. The beneficial effects were reduced by Wnt antagonists or neutralizing antibodies, highlighting the role of Wnt signaling. Despite challenges with fetal-derived cells, the study suggested that CD133+ CCM could be a promising therapeutic approach for diabetic ulcer treatment, potentially leading to synthetic alternatives.