Identifying biomarkers in wound fluid for diabetic foot ulcers
Official title: Diabetic Foot Ulcer Wound Fluid Biomarker
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11309403 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special substances in the fluid from diabetic foot ulcers to see if they can help doctors predict how well the wounds will heal, which could lead to better and more personalized treatments for people with these types of wounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 25, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $480,105 |
| NIH project number | 4R33DK131909-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309403 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with diabetic foot ulcers who are not able to provide wound fluid samples or those with other complicating health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of biomarkers found in the wound fluid of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) to predict healing outcomes. By analyzing metabolites in the wound fluid, the study aims to identify specific indicators that can help healthcare providers determine the effectiveness of current treatments and make timely decisions about alternative therapies. The approach involves a metabolomics analysis of wound fluid samples from patients with chronic wounds, focusing on identifying a key parameter that correlates with healing success. This could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for patients suffering from DFUs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for diabetic foot ulcers, potentially reducing the need for amputations and enhancing patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for wound healing, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights, although this specific application is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roy, Sashwati — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Roy, Sashwati
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Wound fluid test to predict healing in diabetic foot ulcers
This project looks for chemical signals in the fluid from diabetic foot ulcers that could tell adults with diabetes whether a wound will heal with standard care or need a different treatment.
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Improving Diabetic Foot Ulcer Offloading with User-Friendly Cast Walker Design
A small pilot study to see how different removable cast walker designs affect daily use and healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
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Home-based exercise to help Veterans recover after healed diabetic foot ulcers
A home-based exercise program for Veterans who recently healed from a diabetic foot ulcer to improve walking and daily function.
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Investigating gene markers that affect healing in diabetic foot ulcers
This study is looking at how inflammation affects the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes, and it's creating a special test to help doctors understand how well these wounds are healing so they can provide better, personalized care for patients.
-
Home exercise program to help Veterans recover after a recently healed diabetic foot ulcer
A home-based exercise program designed to help Veterans who recently healed from a diabetic foot ulcer regain strength, mobility, and independence.
-
Understanding Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing
This project aims to find a way to predict how well diabetic foot ulcers will heal by looking at specific markers related to inflammation.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.