Early Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Stimulation on Proximal Tibial Circular Osteotomy Site Enhanced Heterotopic Skin Wound Healing via Small Extracellular Vesicles

Abstract

Wound healing represents a complex biological process necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches, particularly for chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Inspired by the regenerative effects of tibial bone transport for DFUs, we explored whether radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) at the tibial annular osteotomy site (TOE) could enhance wound healing in rats. We found that TOE accelerated dorsal foot wound healing via small extracellular vesicles (sEV). This sEVs showed strong regenerative effects and modulated macrophage polarizations in vitro and in vivo. Single-cell sequencing revealed mesenchymal stem cells as the likely sEV source, with rESWT triggering sEV release through ATP/P2X7R/p38MAPK pathway. Proteomic analysis identified five differentially expressed proteins in sEVs, with Thrombospondin 1 (Thbs1)-enhanced sEVs enhancing wound healing by promoting IL4-induced M2 macrophage polarization. This innovative approach represents a promising alternative strategy for wound management, with potential for future DFU treatment.