Recovery of Diabetic Ulcers Facilitated by Asiaticoside through Activating the Wnt/Beta-Catenin Signalling Cascade

Diabetic ulcers, a type of chronic and refractory wound, are the most common diabetic complication and their incidence is increasing. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the formation of diabetic ulcers have not been clarified and the current therapeutic methods are unsatisfactory. In this study, we found that asiaticoside facilitated the recovery of skin wounds in diabetic rats. Intensive studies demonstrated that asiaticoside promoted fibroblast proliferation and migration in a high-glycemic environment. Mechanistically, asiaticoside upregulated Wnt1 at the protein and immunohistochemistry levels and activated the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling cascade, thereby promoting fibroblast functions. Thus, asiaticoside promotes skin cell activities relevant to diabetic ulcers healing and thus may have therapeutic value.