Understanding exosomes in diabetic wound healing

BACKGROUND: Diabetic wounds signify a major complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by chronic inflammation, compromised angiogenesis, and high risk of infection, amputation, and mortality. Contemporary therapies remain limited in efficacy and durability. This review aimed to comprehensively assess exosome-mediated interventions as a cell-free regenerative approach for diabetic wound healing. METHODS: This narrative-scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases, identifying 176 preclinical and clinical studies. Included studies evaluated exosome origins, mechanisms of action, delivery platforms, and treatment outcomes in diabetic wound healing. RESULTS: Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells, progenitor cells, blood products, immune cells, and natural sources consistently improved wound healing by enhancing angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, fibroblast proliferation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, while decreasing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Mechanistically, these effects were regulated via the stimulation of the PI3K/AKT, ERK/MAPK, STAT3, HIF-1α/VEGF, and Nrf2 signaling, together with the suppression of the AGE/RAGE-regulated ferroptosis and apoptosis. Biomaterial-based delivery systems, including scaffolds, microneedle patches, and hydrogels, significantly enhanced exosome retention, stability, and treatment efficacy. Across studies, exosome treatments showed expedited wound closure, enhanced collagen deposition, and improved vascularization in diabetic models. CONCLUSION: Exosome-mediated therapies represent a promising and multifaceted regenerative strategy for diabetic wound healing, addressing pivotal pathophysiological deficits. Nevertheless, challenges associated with standardization, scalability, and clinical validation must be resolved before widespread clinical application.