Diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and the most common cause of hospitalization in diabetic patients. The development of a diabetic foot ulcer is principally related to the presence of peripheral neuropathy and foot deformities, often accompanied by peripheral arterial disease and various diabetes-related immunopathies. Several pathogenic abnormalities, ranging from disease-specific intrinsic flaws in blood supply, angiogenesis, and matrix turnover to extrinsic factors due to infection and continued trauma, contribute to failure to heal. Yet, despite these obstacles, there is increasing cause for optimism in the treatment of diabetic wounds. Enhanced understanding and correction of pathogenic factors, combined with stricter adherence to standards of care and with technological breakthroughs in biological agents, can be used to help develop new approaches to treat impaired healing.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles that illustrate the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of DFU, identifying potential new targets for the treatment of DFU. Novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of DFU are highly encouraged. Finally, comprehensive reviews on these items will also be welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• The role of vasculopathy and endothelial cell abnormalities, neurodegeneration, and infection in the pathogenesis of DFU
• Inflammation and oxidative stress in the development of DFU
• Updated methods for in vivo metabolic assessment of the DFU
• The relationship between DFU and glucose levels
• New treatments of DFU based on antibacterial, anti-inflammation, and antioxidative stress
• Diabetic drugs and their potential effect on DFU