Bone marrow-derived stem cells for treatment of critical limb ischemia and diabetic foot ulcer

The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic effects of either bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMCs) or an expanded bone marrow mononuclear cell population enriched with CD90+ mesenchymal stem cells (tissue repair cells, TRC) in critical limb ischemia and diabetic foot ulcer. BMCs or TRCs were injected either intramuscularly or intraarterially in diabetic foot patients with critical limb ischaemia to induce revascularization. Treatment with either cell type proved to be safe and feasible and improved microcirculation and wound healing.