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Cooper STE, Lokman AB, Riley PR. Role of the Lymphatics in Cardiac Disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1181-1190. [PMID: 38634279 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.124.319854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases remain the largest cause of death worldwide with recent evidence increasingly attributing the development and progression of these diseases to an exacerbated inflammatory response. As a result, significant research is now focused on modifying the immune environment to prevent the disease progression. This in turn has highlighted the lymphatic system in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases owing, in part, to its established function in immune cell surveillance and trafficking. In this review, we highlight the role of the cardiac lymphatic system and its potential as an immunomodulatory therapeutic target in selected cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna T E Cooper
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Adam B Lokman
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R Riley
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
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2
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Suarez AC, Hammel JH, Munson JM. Modeling lymphangiogenesis: Pairing in vitro and in vivo metrics. Microcirculation 2023; 30:e12802. [PMID: 36760223 PMCID: PMC10121924 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is the mechanism by which the lymphatic system develops and expands new vessels facilitating fluid drainage and immune cell trafficking. Models to study lymphangiogenesis are necessary for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and to identify or test new therapeutic agents that target lymphangiogenesis. Across the lymphatic literature, multiple models have been developed to study lymphangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, lymphangiogenesis can be modeled with varying complexity, from monolayers to hydrogels to explants, with common metrics for characterizing proliferation, migration, and sprouting of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and vessels. In comparison, in vivo models of lymphangiogenesis often use genetically modified zebrafish and mice, with in situ mouse models in the ear, cornea, hind leg, and tail. In vivo metrics, such as activation of LECs, number of new lymphatic vessels, and sprouting, mirror those most used in vitro, with the addition of lymphatic vessel hyperplasia and drainage. The impacts of lymphangiogenesis vary by context of tissue and pathology. Therapeutic targeting of lymphangiogenesis can have paradoxical effects depending on the pathology including lymphedema, cancer, organ transplant, and inflammation. In this review, we describe and compare lymphangiogenic outcomes and metrics between in vitro and in vivo studies, specifically reviewing only those publications in which both testing formats are used. We find that in vitro studies correlate well with in vivo in wound healing and development, but not in the reproductive tract or the complex tumor microenvironment. Considerations for improving in vitro models are to increase complexity with perfusable microfluidic devices, co-cultures with tissue-specific support cells, the inclusion of fluid flow, and pairing in vitro models of differing complexities. We believe that these changes would strengthen the correlation between in vitro and in vivo outcomes, giving more insight into lymphangiogenesis in healthy and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen C. Suarez
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jennifer H. Hammel
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jennifer M. Munson
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
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3
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Chen K, Mou R, Zhu P, Xu X, Wang H, Jiang L, Hu Y, Hu X, Ma L, Xiao Q, Xu Q. The Effect of Lymphangiogenesis in Transplant Arteriosclerosis. Circulation 2023; 147:482-497. [PMID: 36515099 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.060799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplant arteriosclerosis is a major complication in long-term survivors of heart transplantation. Increased lymph flow from donor heart to host lymph nodes has been reported to play a role in transplant arteriosclerosis, but how lymphangiogenesis affects this process is unknown. METHODS Vascular allografts were transplanted among various combinations of mice, including wild-type, Lyve1-CreERT2;R26-tdTomato, CAG-Cre-tdTomato, severe combined immune deficiency, Ccr2KO, Foxn1KO, and lghm/lghdKO mice. Whole-mount staining and 3-dimensional reconstruction identified lymphatic vessels within the grafted arteries. Lineage tracing strategies delineated the cellular origin of lymphatic endothelial cells. Adeno-associated viral vectors and a selective inhibitor were used to regulate lymphangiogenesis. RESULTS Lymphangiogenesis within allograft vessels began at the anastomotic sites and extended from preexisting lymphatic vessels in the host. Tertiary lymphatic organs were identified in transplanted arteries at the anastomotic site and lymphatic vessels expressing CCL21 (chemokine [C-C motif] ligand 21) were associated with these immune structures. Fibroblasts in the vascular allografts released VEGF-C (vascular endothelial growth factor C), which stimulated lymphangiogenesis into the grafts. Inhibition of VEGF-C signaling inhibited lymphangiogenesis, neointima formation, and adventitial fibrosis of vascular allografts. These studies identified VEGF-C released from fibroblasts as a signal stimulating lymphangiogenesis extending from the host into the vascular allografts. CONCLUSIONS Formation of lymphatic vessels plays a key role in the immune response to vascular transplantation. The inhibition of lymphangiogenesis may be a novel approach to prevent transplant arteriosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rong Mou
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengwei Zhu
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Xu
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Han Wang
- Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (H.W., Qingzhong Xiao)
| | - Liujun Jiang
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanhua Hu
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaosheng Hu
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Cardiovascular Surgery (L.M.), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingzhong Xiao
- Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (H.W., Qingzhong Xiao)
| | - Qingbo Xu
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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4
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The Impact of Stem/Progenitor Cells on Lymphangiogenesis in Vascular Disease. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244056. [PMID: 36552820 PMCID: PMC9776475 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels, as the main tube network of fluid drainage and leukocyte transfer, are responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis and pathological repairment. Recently, by using genetic lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing techniques, significant cognitive progress has been made about the impact of stem/progenitor cells during lymphangiogenesis. In the embryonic stage, the lymphatic network is primarily formed through self-proliferation and polarized-sprouting from the lymph sacs. However, the assembly of lymphatic stem/progenitor cells also guarantees the sustained growth of lymphvasculogenesis to obtain the entire function. In addition, there are abundant sources of stem/progenitor cells in postnatal tissues, including circulating progenitors, mesenchymal stem cells, and adipose tissue stem cells, which can directly differentiate into lymphatic endothelial cells and participate in lymphangiogenesis. Specifically, recent reports indicated a novel function of lymphangiogenesis in transplant arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. In the present review, we summarized the latest evidence about the diversity and incorporation of stem/progenitor cells in lymphatic vasculature during both the embryonic and postnatal stages, with emphasis on the impact of lymphangiogenesis in the development of vascular diseases to provide a rational guidance for future research.
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Lin J, Chen Y, Zhu H, Cheng K, Wang H, Yu X, Tang M, Chen J. Lymphatic Reconstruction in Kidney Allograft Aggravates Chronic Rejection by Promoting Alloantigen Presentation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:796260. [PMID: 34956231 PMCID: PMC8695730 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.796260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic rejection of the renal allograft remains a major cause of graft loss. Here, we demonstrated that the remodeling of lymphatic vessels (LVs) after their broken during transplantation contributes to the antigen presenting and lymph nodes activating. Our studies observed a rebuilt of interrupted lymph draining one week after mouse kidney transplantation, involving preexisting lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) from both the donor and recipient. These expanding LVs also release C-C chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) and recruit CCR7+ cells, mainly dendritic cells (DCs), toward lymph nodes and spleen, evoking the adaptive response. This rejection could be relieved by LYVE-1 specific LVs knockout or CCR7 migration inhibition in mouse model. Moreover, in retrospective analysis, posttransplant patients exhibiting higher area density of LVs presented with lower eGFR, severe serum creatinine and proteinuria, and greater interstitial fibrosis. These results reveal a rebuilt pathway for alloantigen trafficking and lymphocytes activation, providing strategies to alleviate chronic transplantation rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwen Lin
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huijuan Zhu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kai Cheng
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huiping Wang
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianping Yu
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Tang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianghua Chen
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jianghua Chen,
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Pankova MN, Lobov GI. Lymphangiogenesis and Features of Lymphatic Drainage in Different Organs: the Significance for Allograft Fate. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021050100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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7
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Donnan MD, Kenig-Kozlovsky Y, Quaggin SE. The lymphatics in kidney health and disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2021; 17:655-675. [PMID: 34158633 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-021-00438-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian vascular system consists of two networks: the blood vascular system and the lymphatic vascular system. Throughout the body, the lymphatic system contributes to homeostatic mechanisms by draining extravasated interstitial fluid and facilitating the trafficking and activation of immune cells. In the kidney, lymphatic vessels exist mainly in the kidney cortex. In the medulla, the ascending vasa recta represent a hybrid lymphatic-like vessel that performs lymphatic-like roles in interstitial fluid reabsorption. Although the lymphatic network is mainly derived from the venous system, evidence supports the existence of lymphatic beds that are of non-venous origin. Following their development and maturation, lymphatic vessel density remains relatively stable; however, these vessels undergo dynamic functional changes to meet tissue demands. Additionally, new lymphatic growth, or lymphangiogenesis, can be induced by pathological conditions such as tissue injury, interstitial fluid overload, hyperglycaemia and inflammation. Lymphangiogenesis is also associated with conditions such as polycystic kidney disease, hypertension, ultrafiltration failure and transplant rejection. Although lymphangiogenesis has protective functions in clearing accumulated fluid and immune cells, the kidney lymphatics may also propagate an inflammatory feedback loop, exacerbating inflammation and fibrosis. Greater understanding of lymphatic biology, including the developmental origin and function of the lymphatics and their response to pathogenic stimuli, may aid the development of new therapeutic agents that target the lymphatic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Donnan
- Feinberg Cardiovascular & Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Susan E Quaggin
- Feinberg Cardiovascular & Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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8
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Donnan MD. Kidney lymphatics: new insights in development and disease. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2021; 30:450-455. [PMID: 34027907 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will highlight recent advances in our understanding of the kidney lymphatics regarding their development, physiologic function, and their potential role in the progression of kidney disease. RECENT FINDINGS Although sparse in comparison to the blood vasculature, lymphatic vessels within the healthy kidney perform an important role in maintaining homeostasis. Additionally, in response to kidney injury, lymphatic vessels undergo substantial expansion, termed lymphangiogenesis, which shows a direct correlation to the extent of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Kidney lymphatics expand through both the proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells from existing lymphatic vessels, as well as from direct contribution by other cell types of nonvenous origin. The primary driver of lymphatic growth is vascular endothelial growth factor C, both in development and in response to injury. The clinical implications of lymphangiogenesis in the setting of kidney diseases remains debated, however growing evidence suggests lymphatic vessels may perform a protective role in clearing away accumulating interstitial fluid, inflammatory cytokines, and cellular infiltrates that occur with injury. SUMMARY There is increasing evidence the kidney lymphatics perform an active role in the response to kidney injury and the development of fibrosis. Recent advances in our understanding of these vessels raise the possibility of targeting kidney lymphatics for the treatment of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Donnan
- Feinberg Cardiovascular & Renal Research Institute.,Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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9
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Wong BW. Lymphatic vessels in solid organ transplantation and immunobiology. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:1992-2000. [PMID: 32027464 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
With the recent advances in our understanding of the function and biology of the lymphatic vascular system, it is clear that the lymphatic system plays an integral role in physiology, and in pathological settings, may contribute to either enhance or repress inflammation and disease progression. Inflammation is central to both acute and chronic rejection in the context of solid organ transplantation, and emerging evidence suggests the lymphatic system plays a key role in shaping outcomes. The goals of this review are to highlight and contextualize the roles of lymphatic vessels and lymphangiogenesis in immunobiology, the impact immunosuppressive therapies have on the lymphatic system and emerging evidence of organ-specific heterogeneity of lymphatic vessels in the context of solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian W Wong
- Laboratory of Lymphatic Metabolism + Epigenetics, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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10
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Yamakawa M, Doh SJ, Santosa SM, Montana M, Qin EC, Kong H, Han KY, Yu C, Rosenblatt MI, Kazlauskas A, Chang JH, Azar DT. Potential lymphangiogenesis therapies: Learning from current antiangiogenesis therapies-A review. Med Res Rev 2018. [PMID: 29528507 DOI: 10.1002/med.21496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, lymphangiogenesis, the process of lymphatic vessel formation from existing lymph vessels, has been demonstrated to have a significant role in diverse pathologies, including cancer metastasis, organ graft rejection, and lymphedema. Our understanding of the mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis has advanced on the heels of studies demonstrating vascular endothelial growth factor C as a central pro-lymphangiogenic regulator and others identifying multiple lymphatic endothelial biomarkers. Despite these breakthroughs and a growing appreciation of the signaling events that govern the lymphangiogenic process, there are no FDA-approved drugs that target lymphangiogenesis. In this review, we reflect on the lessons available from the development of antiangiogenic therapies (26 FDA-approved drugs to date), review current lymphangiogenesis research including nanotechnology in therapeutic drug delivery and imaging, and discuss molecules in the lymphangiogenic pathway that are promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Yamakawa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Susan J Doh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Samuel M Santosa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Mario Montana
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Ellen C Qin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Hyunjoon Kong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Kyu-Yeon Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Charles Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Mark I Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Andrius Kazlauskas
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Jin-Hong Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Dimitri T Azar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
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Hasegawa S, Nakano T, Torisu K, Tsuchimoto A, Eriguchi M, Haruyama N, Masutani K, Tsuruya K, Kitazono T. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis through lymphangiogenesis in mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction. J Transl Med 2017; 97:1439-1452. [PMID: 29083411 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the final common pathway of chronic kidney diseases. Lymphatic vessel (LV) proliferation is found in human renal diseases and other fibrotic diseases, suggesting that lymphangiogenesis is associated with the progression or suppression of kidney diseases. However, the purpose of LV proliferation is not completely understood. We investigated the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C on lymphangiogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis in the mouse kidney using the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. In UUO mice, significant proliferation of LVs was accompanied by tubulointerstitial nephritis and fibrosis. We continuously administered recombinant human VEGF-C to UUO model mice using an osmotic pump (UUO+VEGF-C group). Lymphangiogenesis was significantly induced in the UUO+VEGF-C group compared with the vehicle group, despite similar numbers of capillaries in both groups. The number of infiltrating macrophages, and levels of inflammatory cytokines and transforming growth factor-β1 were reduced in the UUO+VEGF-C group compared with the vehicle group. Renal fibrosis was consequently attenuated in the UUO+VEGF-C group. In cultured lymphatic endothelial cells, administration of VEGF-C increased the activity and proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and expression of adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. These findings suggest that induction of lymphangiogenesis ameliorates inflammation and fibrosis in the renal interstitium. Enhancement of the VEGF-C signaling pathway in LECs may be a therapeutic strategy for renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Hasegawa
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Nakano
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kumiko Torisu
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tsuchimoto
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Eriguchi
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naoki Haruyama
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kosuke Masutani
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Tsuruya
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Integrated Therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takanari Kitazono
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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