The Role of Inflammation in Lymphedema: A Narrative Review of Pathogenesis and Opportunities for Therapeutic Intervention

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2024 Apr 13

PMID 38612716

Authors

Catharine Bowman

Stanley G Rockson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive disease of the lymphatic system characterized by inflammation, increased adipose deposition, and tissue fibrosis. Despite early hypotheses identifying lymphedema as a disease of mechanical lymphatic disruption alone, the progressive inflammatory nature underlying this condition is now well-established. In this review, we provide an overview of the various inflammatory mechanisms that characterize lymphedema development and progression. These mechanisms contribute to the acute and chronic phases of lymphedema, which manifest clinically as inflammation, fibrosis, and adiposity. Furthermore, we highlight the interplay between current therapeutic modalities and the underlying inflammatory microenvironment, as well as opportunities for future therapeutic development.

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