Research Advances on the Damage Mechanisms of Schwann Cells and Related Signal Pathways in Diabetic Foot

YU Qianfu^1,2, ZHANG Jie^3,4, MA Baicheng^3,4, CAO Xiaoming³, CHEN Xionglin^1,3,4*

(¹School of Health Science and Engineering, the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China; ²School of Medical Imaging, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang 330052, China; ³School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang 332005, China; ⁴Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Precision Therapy, Jiujiang 332005, China)

Abstract:

DFUs (diabetic foot ulcers) represent a common and severe chronic complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis involving cellular dysfunction and disrupted signaling pathways. SCs (Schwann cells) are essential for nerve regeneration, myelination, and axonal function, their impairment significantly influences DFUs progression. Hyperglycemia induces SCs injury through oxidative stress, ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress, inflammation, and dysregulated autophagy. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying SCs damage and key signaling pathways in DFUs. It identifies critical factors contributing to SCs dysfunction and potential molecular targets for intervention, providing a foundation for neuroprotective and precision medicine strategies.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2025.12.0027