Dermal fibroblast mitochondrial profiles in painful diabetic neuropathy

Fibroblasts from participants with painful DPN did not differ in inflammatory and mitochondrial profiles compared with those from pain-free DPN. However, persistent dermal macrophage infiltration in painful DPN suggests a stable immune-activated microenvironment, potentially contributing to pain maintenance. Our results suggest that immune-related, rather than fibroblast-intrinsic, mechanisms could play a role in sustaining neuropathic pain in painful DPN.