Activated PRP Plus Angioplasty Enhances Healing in Diabetic Foot Ulcers, suggests study
Researchers have found in a new study that the combination of activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and endovascular angioplasty improved microcirculation and tissue repair in diabetic foot ulcers, suggesting a promising new treatment option for patients with diabetic foot complications. The study, published in the World Journal of Diabetes, evaluated both laboratory (in vitro) and clinical outcomes following the use of PRP alongside angioplasty in individuals with ischemic diabetic foot ulcers. By simultaneously enhancing blood flow and delivering growth-factor–rich plasma, the dual treatment addresses both vascular insufficiency and impaired tissue regeneration, which are critical challenges in diabetic foot management.
In the experimental phase, the authors observed that activated PRP stimulated endothelial cell proliferation, promoted angiogenesis, and improved oxygen delivery to ischemic tissues. Clinically, patients treated with both angioplasty and activated PRP demonstrated faster wound closure, reduced local inflammation, and improved perfusion compared with patients who underwent angioplasty alone. The synergistic effect appears to arise from the PRP’s bioactive growth factors and cytokines promoting fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, while angioplasty restores blood supply to the affected area. These findings highlight a therapeutic approach that targets both circulation and tissue repair, overcoming two major barriers in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
Overall, this study provides compelling evidence that combining vascular intervention with a biologic regenerative therapy could improve healing outcomes in diabetic foot patients. The dual strategy—restoring blood flow via angioplasty while delivering regenerative biological material via PRP—may reduce the risk of non-healing wounds and potential amputations. The authors recommend larger-scale, randomized trials to standardize PRP concentration, activation protocols, and treatment frequency. Nonetheless, the research establishes a strong foundation for integrating advanced combination therapies into routine diabetic foot care.
Reference
Huang, C., Liu, H. Z., Liang, J. B., Zhao, W., Wang, Y. S., Ruan, L. F., Zhuang, W. Z., Li, Y. S., Wang, Q., & Tang, Y. K. (2025). In vitro and clinical evaluation of platelet-rich plasma combined with angioplasty in diabetic foot treatment. World Journal of Diabetes, 16(10), 110631. https://doi.org/10.4239/wjd.v16.i10.110631
