Concentration of proinflammatory cytokines in patients with ulcers as a complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Difficult healing of chronic wounds is a serious problem for modern medicine. It leads to ulceration, especially in conditions such as diabetic foot syndrome or chronic venous insufficiency. This may be a result of chemical, physical, thermal or biological factors, among others. Analysis of mediators and molecular factors released by the abovementioned structure helps to better understand the mechanism of healing of chronic wounds and the formation of ulcers. Aim: To assess excretion of selected cytokines in patients with ulcerations as a complication of diabetes mellitus type 2. Material and methods: Seventeen patients aged 68-87 took part in the assessment of wound healing in patients with ulceration in the course of diabetes mellitus type 2. The control group consisted of 21 healthy patients aged 32-62. In the blood serum bFGF, TNF-alpha, IL-4, TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3 were determined. Results: A significant difference was found in bFGF, IL-4, TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, and TGF-beta 3 levels. Concentration of bFGF was 12% lower in patients with ulcers than in the non-ulcerated control group (p = 0.013). IL-4 concentration was 46% lower in patients with ulcers than in the non-ulcerated control group (p = 0.002). TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3 concentrations were also lower in the group of patients with ulcers compared to those in the non-ulcerated control group. Conclusions: Reduced concentrations of selected cytokines and growth factors may indicate abnormal activity of the cells that secrete them and affect the healing process of chronic wounds, hindering and delaying the healing process.