Expression of leptin and its long-form receptor in the marginal cutaneous tissues of diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

To investigate the relationship between the expression of leptin and its long-form receptor, OB-RL, and wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers. Biopsies from 10 patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DU group), 10 with non-diabetic foot ulcers (NDU group), and 10 with normal skin (normal control, NC group) were examined. Leptin and OB-RL mRNA and protein levels were assessed using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analyses, respectively. The cuticle thickness was significantly greater, and the epidermal layer was significantly lesser in the DU and NDU groups. Leptin protein expression was significantly higher in the DU and NDU than NC group (P < 0.001), whereas OB-RL mRNA and protein expressions were significantly lower in the DU group and significantly higher in the NDU group (P < 0.001). Diabetic foot ulcer duration was negatively correlated with OB-RL protein expression (ρ = -0.671, P = 0.034). Decreased OB-RL may result in reduced leptin signaling in diabetic foot ulcers. Further studies are required to determine whether OB-RL levels are related to the prognosis of diabetic foot ulcers, as well as to explore the use of leptin or mimetics for promoting ulcer healing.