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The Unresolved Pathophysiology of Lymphedema
Syaza Hazwany Azhar1, Hwee Ying Lim1, Bien-Keem Tan2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Science Institute, Yoon Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
Frontiers in Physiology
|April 8, 2020
Summary
Lymphedema, a condition of impaired lymphatic transport, involves tissue changes like fibrosis and fat deposition. Further research into human pathophysiology is crucial for developing new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Lymphatic Biology
- Pathophysiology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Lymphedema results from impaired lymphatic transport, leading to protein and lipid accumulation.
- It causes progressive tissue architectural changes, including fibrosis and adipose tissue deposition.
- Despite advances, the human pathophysiology and interplay of these events remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on lymphedema pathophysiology from human and animal studies.
- To discuss cellular and molecular mechanisms of adipose tissue and collagen accumulation.
- To highlight the need for enhanced understanding of human lymphedema for new therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of human and animal studies on lymphedema.
- Analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in tissue changes.
- Synthesis of current understanding and identification of knowledge gaps.
Main Results:
- Impaired lymphatic drainage leads to interstitial accumulation of proteins and lipids.
- Progressive architectural changes include adipose tissue deposition and fibrosis.
- Inflammation is associated with these tissue changes, but the sequence is not fully understood.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the human pathophysiology of lymphedema is critical.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the temporal sequence and interplay of fibrotic and adipose tissue accumulation.
- Enhanced knowledge will facilitate the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for lymphedema.
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