Yujiao Liu,1 Zixuan Zhang,1 Zhenhan Su,1 Yuhong Deng,2 Chuhui Lin,2 Wei Tian1 

1School of Life Science and Biopharmaceuticals, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Clinical Nutrition, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Wei Tian, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceuticals, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China, Email tianweiww@sina.com

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect of the culture broth of Laetiporus sulphureus on diabetic foot ulcer rats.
Patients and Methods: The diabetic foot ulcer model was established by combined treatment of streptozotocin (STZ) and hindfoot injury in rats. The rats were divided into groups: control, model, low-dose, and high-dose of Laetiporus sulphureus culture broth. Blood sugar and wound area were measured. ELISA determined levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and VEGF. H&E staining observed damaged skin tissues.
Results: Compared to the model group, the culture broth of Laetiporus sulphureus could lower blood glucose levels and decrease the wound area. It could notably decrease the concentration of TNF-α and IL-6, inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors in skin tissues, enhances the expression of VEGF and accelerate wound healing.
Conclusion: The Laetiporus sulphureus culture broth can effectively facilitate wound healing of foot injury in diabetic rats and has a certain therapeutic effect on diabetic foot. The study explores an alternative therapy from natural sources to address a gap in diabetic foot ulcer management. It provides a foundation for further research on Laetiporus sulphureus as a novel treatment.

Keywords: diabetic foot ulcer, Laetiporus sulphureus, TNF-α, IL-6, VEGF