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Updated: Oct 20, 2025
A Revised Method for Inducing Secondary Lymphedema in the Hindlimb of Mice
Published on: November 2, 2019
Current Understanding of Pathological Mechanisms of Lymphedema
Cynthia Sung1,2, Sarah Wang3, Jerry Hsu2,3,4
1Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Insights
Lymphedema, a widespread disease, lacks effective cures due to poor understanding. Recent research highlights key pathological processes, but cellular and molecular mechanisms require further investigation for targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Pathology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Lymphedema affects millions globally, causing significant burdens.
- Current treatments are palliative due to incomplete disease understanding.
- Prevalence and morbidities are increasing.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review cellular and molecular mechanisms in lymphedema progression.
- Highlight key pathological processes: lymphatic stasis, inflammation, adipose deposition, fibrosis.
- Synthesize recent advances in lymphedema pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on lymphedema.
- Analysis of histological and pathological findings.
- Focus on cellular and molecular pathways.
Main Results:
- Identified lymphatic stasis, inflammation, adipose deposition, and fibrosis as key pathological processes.
- Detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to lymphedema progression.
- Acknowledged complexity and elusiveness of underlying mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Further research into cellular and molecular mechanisms is crucial.
- Deeper understanding will guide development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
- Effective cures for lymphedema remain a future goal.
Abstract:
Significance: Lymphedema is a common disease that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide with significant financial and social burdens. Despite increasing prevalence and associated morbidities, the mainstay treatment of lymphedema is largely palliative without an effective cure due to incomplete understanding of the disease. Recent Advances: Recent studies have described key histological and pathological processes that contribute to the progression of lymphedema, including lymphatic stasis, inflammation, adipose tissue deposition, and fibrosis. This review aims to highlight cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in each of these pathological processes. Critical Issues: Despite recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of lymphedema, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease remains elusive due to its complex nature. Future Directions: Additional research is needed to gain a better insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of lymphedema, which will guide the development of therapeutic strategies that target specific pathology of the disease.
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