Lymphedema and therapeutic lymphangiogenesis.
Lymphedema is a disorder of the lymphatic vascular system characterized by impaired lymphatic return and swelling of the extremities. Lymphedema is divided into primary and secondary forms based on the underlying etiology. Despite substantial advances in both surgical and conservative techniques, therapeutic options for the management of lymphedema are limited. Although rarely lethal, lymphedema is a disfiguring and disabling condition with an associated decrease in the quality of life. The recent impressive expansion of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms governing lymphangiogenesis provides new possibilities for the treatment of lymphedema. This review highlights the lymphatic biology, the pathophysiology of lymphedema, and the therapeutic lymphangiogenesis using hepatocyte growth factor.
Department of Vascular Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, 2-1-1-1 Midorigaoka-Higashi, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan.
Yukihiro
Y
Saito
Hironori
H
Nakagami
Yasufumi
Y
Kaneda
Ryuichi
R
Morishita
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004487:Edema / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D042583:Lymphangiogenesis; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*
D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor