Maggot debridement therapy stimulates wound healing by altering macrophage activation.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of maggot debridement therapy (MDT) on macrophages during the healing process of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). The activation phenotype of macrophages during wound healing following MDT was evaluated using double staining immunohistochemistry (IHC). In addition, markers associated with macrophage activation were discovered using immunoblotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). During the process of diabetic wound healing following MDT, the presence and over-expression of M2 macrophages were observed, while the under-expression of M1 macrophages was noted. In addition, the activation markers of macrophages exhibited a correlation with the indicated Th1/Th2 cytokines. MDT interventions have the potential to modulate macrophage activity, thereby aiding in the healing of diabetic foot wounds.