Although physicians currently rely on clinical signs along with non-specific biomarkers of infection, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, to diagnose and monitor DFU, there is no specific and sensitive measure available to monitor or prognosticate the success of foot salvage therapy (FST).
In the present study, we looked at the association of these SNPs with foot microbial infection, Wagner's ulcer grade and treatment procedure, along with serum levels of these cytokines (intermediate phenotype) and other serum biomarkers (adiponectin, leptin, CRP and HOMA-IR) in subjects with DFU.
The diagnosis of diabetic foot ulcer infection is essentially based on clinical evaluation, but laboratory parameters such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and, more recently, procalcitonin (PCT) could aid the diagnosis, especially when clinical signs are misleading.
The characterization of a full-thickness excision open foot wound model in n5-streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats that mimics diabetic foot ulcer in terms of reduced blood circulation, higher C-reactive protein, elevated inflammation, and reduced cell proliferation.
PCT and CRP levels positively correlated with infection severity of diabetic foot ulcers and PCT levels>0.59ng/mL in patients with IDFU may be associated with other systemic bacterial infection.