Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibition enhances ischemic and diabetic wound healing by promoting angiogenesis

Chronic nonhealing wounds, a major health problem in the United States, affect 6.5 million people and cost $25 billion annually. The two major risk factors of poor wound healing are arterial occlusive disease and diabetes. Because 40% of diabetics also have arterial occlusive disease, the people with combined ischemic and diabetic wounds have the highest risk for limb loss. Biologic treatment to enhance angiogenesis through gene and cellular therapy has been studied extensively to promote limb salvage. A better understanding of the mechanisms behind poor healing in diabetic and ischemic wounds is needed for the identification of new treatment targets.