Background: Impaired angiogenesis is a significant factor contributing to delayed healing in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) due to inadequate oxygenation. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of photobiomodulation (PBM) using a Ga-As laser on the release of serum hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, and nitric oxide (NO) in diabetic patients with DFUs. Materials and methods: In this double-blind RCT, a total of 30 patients with grade II DFUs were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the PBM (n = 15) and the placebo (n = 15). In the PBM group, a Ga-As laser (904 nm, 2 J/cm2, 90 W) was given for 3 days/week for 4 weeks (11 sessions). In the placebo group, the power was turned off. Both groups received similar standard wound care. Before and after interventions, the levels of serum HIF-1α, VEGF, NO, and sVEGFR-2 were measured. In addition, the percentage decrease in the wound surface area (%DWSA) was measured. Results: Following the intervention, the results revealed that the PBM group had significantly lower levels of VEGF than the placebo group (p = 0.005). The %DWSA was significantly higher in the PBM group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.003). Moreover, VEGF showed a significant negative correlation with %DWSA (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The observed decrease in serum levels of VEGF and an increase in %DWSA, compared to the placebo group, suggests that PBM effectively improves angiogenesis. Furthermore, the significant correlation found between VEGF levels and %DWSA emphasizes the importance of evaluating wound surface in patients as a dependable indicator of enhanced wound angiogenesis. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02452086.
Keywords: angiogenic factors; diabetic foot ulcers; photobiomodulation; wound healing.