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Updated: Jun 10, 2025
A Revised Method for Inducing Secondary Lymphedema in the Hindlimb of Mice
Published on: November 2, 2019
Improved lymphangiogenesis around vascularized lymph node flaps by periodic injection of hyaluronidase in a rodent
Hwayeong Cheon1, Linhai Chen2, Sang Ah Kim3
1Rehabilitation Research Center, Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is an advanced surgical approach for secondary lymphedema (SLE) treatment, but tissue fibrosis around the lymph node flap (VLNF) inhibiting lymphangiogenesis is the biggest challenge undermining its therapeutic efficacy. This study explored the effects of periodic hyaluronidase (HLD) injection in reducing fibrosis and promoting lymphangiogenesis in 52 Sprague-Dawley rats with a VLNF over 13 weeks. The results demonstrated that HLD administration significantly enhanced swelling reduction, lymphatic drainage efficiency, and lymphatic vessel regeneration, with up to a 26% decrease in tissue fibrosis around the VLNF. These findings suggest that combining VLNT with periodic injections of HLD could substantially improve SLE treatment outcomes in clinical settings. It offers a promising direction for future therapeutic strategies and drug development aimed at increasing the efficacy of surgical treatment for SLE patients.
