Rockson SG
Lymphatic research and biology. Date of publication 2009 Jan 1;volume 7(2):97-100.
1. Lymphat Res Biol. 2009;7(2):97-100. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2009.7202.
The unique biology of lymphatic edema.
Rockson SG(1).
Author information:
(1)Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA. srockson@cvmed.stanford.edu
Sadly, the subject of lymphatic vascular insufficiency continues to engender
relative neglect by health care professionals, which represents a source of
frustration and fear among patients. A re-consideration of the unique, complex
biology of lymphatic vascular disorders has the capacity both to reinvigorate
interest and facilitate the implementation of the correct, existing treatment
interventions for individuals affected by these disease states. While most of
this complex lymphatic biology remains somewhat elusive, growing insights into
the molecular mechanisms of lymphatic development and repair have been
instructive. Present and future considerations in lymphedema diagnosis and
management must acknowledge the unique tissue biology of this disorder. Many
changes are unique to the lymphatic mechanisms of chronic edema. The profound
stimulus to collagen deposition in the integument seems to be unique to chronic
lymphatic edema, although this biology remains largely unexplicated. Several
lines of evidence also suggest that lymphatic function has a unique and important
influence upon adipose biology. Molecular investigation of murine models of human
acquired lymphedema are beginning to shed light on these processes. Such focused
mechanistic, approaches to the study of lymphedema and other lymphatic diseases
are vital, as we attempt to expand our insights into the complex biology of
lymphedema and its potential responsiveness to pharmacologic control and
molecular intervention, prevention, and reversal.
DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2009.7202
PMID: 19522679 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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