Effect of Daptomycin on Local Interleukin-6, Matrix Metalloproteinase-9, and Metallopeptidase Inhibitor 1 in Patients With MRSA-Infected Diabetic Foot

Infection is a major cause of the diabetic foot syndrome that is promoted by the increased burden of multiresistant germs like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Maximizing positive outcome for serious MRSA infections requires an aggressive treatment approach and careful monitoring of the healing process. Therefore, we examined 8 patients with MRSA-infected diabetic foot syndrome of Wagner classification grade 2 or 3 (corresponding to the Texas classification stage 2 or 3) during antibiotic treatment with daptomycin. We documented the wound size and obtained samples of wound secretion for analyses of proinflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6), protease (matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9]), and antiprotease (metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 [TIMP-1]) activity. During the course of anti-MRSA therapy, we observed a decrease in the concentration of local IL-6 within the first 3 days followed by a decrease of MMP-9 and an increase of TIMP-1. Finally, a reduction of wound size was documented. The present data show that efficient antimicrobial treatment with daptomycin has a number of beneficial effects on wound healing at the molecular level in MRSA-infected diabetic foot ulcers.