• Gangrene and Its Treatment: A Comprehensive Review of Modern Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches
  • Sana Nasiri,1 Saman Hakimian,2,*
    1. Bachelor of Microbiology_Biology department , Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch, Tehran , Iran
    2. Phd. student of Microbiology ,Biology department , Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch, Tehran , Iran


  • Introduction: Gangrene is a severe and potentially fatal condition characterized by the loss of blood supply to a specific tissue, most often in the limbs. This process leads to cell death and subsequent tissue decomposition. The etiology of gangrene is multifaceted, including infection, trauma, and underlying chronic diseases that impair circulation, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. This review explores the different types of gangrene— dry, wet, and gas gangrene—by elucidating their distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. The primary focus of this article is to highlight modern therapeutic innovations based on recent scientific literature.
  • Methods: This comprehensive review was conducted through a systematic search of major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search strategy was designed to identify relevant publications focusing on recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of gangrene. A combination of keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MESH) terms was used, including but not limited to: "gangrene," "dry gangrene," "wet gangrene," "gas gangrene," "hydrogel therapy," "gene therapy," "photodynamic therapy," "hyperbaric oxygen therapy," "vascular regeneration," and "limb salvage." The search was limited to articles published in English between 2020 and 2024 to ensure the inclusion of the most current evidence and innovations. Inclusion criteria were set to select original research articles, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. Editorials, case reports, and non-peer-reviewed literature were excluded to maintain the rigor of the review.
  • Results: Furthermore, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown in numerous recent studies to be effective in accelerating wound healing and mitigating deep tissue infections. However, challenges persist in standardizing treatment protocols and ensuring equitable access to these advanced technologies. This review suggests that the future of gangrene treatment lies in adopting personalized approaches that integrate traditional and modern therapeutic modalities. Continued research is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying gangrene and to develop more targeted and effective therapies.
  • Conclusion: This review demonstrates that alongside traditional interventions like surgical debridement and antibiotics, modern methods—including hydrogels, gene therapy, photodynamic therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy—are opening new frontiers in disease management. The strategic combination of these approaches can lead to superior clinical outcomes and an improved quality of life for patients.
  • Keywords: Gangrene, Dry gangrene, Wet gangrene, Gas gangrene, Hydrogel therapy, Gene therapy, Photodynamic the