Lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells and vascular endothelial growth factor-C in spondyloarthritis and Crohn's

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Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cell Subsets within the Murine Spleen, Bone Marrow, Lymph Nodes and Synovial Tissue in an Osteoarthritis Model
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Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cell Subsets within the Murine Spleen, Bone Marrow, Lymph Nodes and Synovial Tissue in an Osteoarthritis Model

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Francesca Bandinelli1, Anna Franca Milia1, Mirko Manetti1

  • 1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.

Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|February 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells (LEPCs) are elevated in spondyloarthritis (SpA) and SpA with Crohn's disease (SC), but not in Crohn's disease (CD) alone. This suggests active lymphatic precursor mobilization primarily in spondylitis involvement.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The link between the lymphatic system and spondyloarthritis (SpA) and Crohn's disease (CD) is not well understood.
  • Investigating lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells (LEPCs) and VEGF-C may offer insights into disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess circulating LEPC and VEGF-C levels in SpA, SpA with CD (SC), and CD patients.
  • To correlate these levels with clinical parameters like disease duration and activity.

Main Methods:

  • Quantified LEPCs and VEGF-C in peripheral blood from SpA, SC, CD patients, and healthy controls.
  • Used fluorescence-activated cell sorting for LEPC identification and ELISA for VEGF-C.
  • Analyzed correlations with disease duration and clinical activity scores (BASDAI, CDAI).

Main Results:

  • LEPC levels were significantly higher in SpA and SC patients compared to controls.
  • CD patients showed no difference from controls, with LEPCs negatively correlating with disease duration (>20 years).
  • VEGF-C levels did not differ across groups and were independent of clinical activity.

Conclusions:

  • An active mobilization of lymphatic endothelial cell precursors is observed specifically in spondylitis involvement.
  • The lymphatic system's role in CD pathogenesis may differ from SpA.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the lymphatic system's specific contribution to these inflammatory conditions.
Abstract

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