Lymphatic vessels: an emerging actor in atherosclerotic plaque development

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Lymphatic Research
• Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a leading global cause of death, driven by chronic arterial inflammation.
• Lymphatic vasculature plays a role in immune response and cholesterol metabolism, processes linked to atherogenesis.
• The specific contribution of lymphatic vessels to atherosclerosis development remains an active area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on the presence and function of lymphatic vessels in the arterial wall.
• To explore the role of lymphatic vessels in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding lymphatic vessel involvement in disease progression.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE databases.
• Screening of key review articles for relevant original publications.
• Analysis of studies examining lymphatic vessels in human atherosclerotic plaques and animal models.

Main Results:

• Lymphatic vessels are primarily found in the adventitia of animal and human arteries.
• These vessels participate in reverse cholesterol transport from atherosclerotic lesions.
• Arteries with dense lymphatic networks appear to have natural protection against atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

• Lymphatic vessels are implicated in reverse cholesterol transport and may offer protection against atherosclerosis.
• Lymphangiogenesis is a component of the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis.
• Future studies are required to determine the impact of altering lymphatic vessel distribution on atherosclerosis progression.