1
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Funke S, Kuhlmann C, Taha S, Fuchs B, Wiggenhauser PS, Giunta RE. [Searching for Evidence: A Systematic Review of the Pathology of Lipoedema]. HANDCHIR MIKROCHIR P 2023; 55:411-426. [PMID: 37984363 DOI: 10.1055/a-2183-7414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipoedema is a symmetrically localised, painful hypertrophy of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the extremities with marked disproportion to the trunk, and almost exclusively affects females. Despite being first described over 80 years ago, the aetiology and pathogenesis of the disease are largely unknown and are currently the subject of intensive research efforts. METHODS To summarise the current evidence-based literature on the cellular pathologies and aetiology of lipoedema, a PRISMA-based systematic review was conducted within the National Library of Medicine and Cochrane databases. RESULTS A total of 53 studies were identified and included in this review. The results were classified and summarised into categories. CONCLUSION Although there has been a significant increase in research activity and recent publication of extensive studies with a histological and molecular genetic focus, the fundamental aetiology and pathology of lipoedema remains largely unclear. The current data shows discrepancies across studies, particularly with regard to the "oedematous" component of lipoedema. The frequently present comorbidities "lymphoedema" and "obesity", primarily in advanced stages of lipoedema, complicate the diagnostic differentiation and clear definition of study cohorts in scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Funke
- Abteilung für Handchirurgie, Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie, LMU-Klinikum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Deutschland
| | - Constanze Kuhlmann
- Abteilung für Handchirurgie, Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie, LMU-Klinikum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Deutschland
| | - Sara Taha
- Abteilung für Handchirurgie, Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie, LMU-Klinikum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Deutschland
| | - Benedikt Fuchs
- Abteilung für Handchirurgie, Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie, LMU-Klinikum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Deutschland
| | - Paul Severin Wiggenhauser
- Abteilung für Handchirurgie, Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie, LMU-Klinikum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Deutschland
| | - Riccardo E Giunta
- Abteilung für Handchirurgie, Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie, LMU-Klinikum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Deutschland
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2
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Poojari A, Dev K, Rabiee A. Lipedema: Insights into Morphology, Pathophysiology, and Challenges. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123081. [PMID: 36551837 PMCID: PMC9775665 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123081] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipedema is an adipofascial disorder that almost exclusively affects women. Lipedema leads to chronic pain, swelling, and other discomforts due to the bilateral and asymmetrical expansion of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Although various distinctive morphological characteristics, such as the hyperproliferation of fat cells, fibrosis, and inflammation, have been characterized in the progression of lipedema, the mechanisms underlying these changes have not yet been fully investigated. In addition, it is challenging to reduce the excessive fat in lipedema patients using conventional weight-loss techniques, such as lifestyle (diet and exercise) changes, bariatric surgery, and pharmacological interventions. Therefore, lipedema patients also go through additional psychosocial distress in the absence of permanent treatment. Research to understand the pathology of lipedema is still in its infancy, but promising markers derived from exosome, cytokine, lipidomic, and metabolomic profiling studies suggest a condition distinct from obesity and lymphedema. Although genetics seems to be a substantial cause of lipedema, due to the small number of patients involved in such studies, the extrapolation of data at a broader scale is challenging. With the current lack of etiology-guided treatments for lipedema, the discovery of new promising biomarkers could provide potential solutions to combat this complex disease. This review aims to address the morphological phenotype of lipedema fat, as well as its unclear pathophysiology, with a primary emphasis on excessive interstitial fluid, extracellular matrix remodeling, and lymphatic and vasculature dysfunction. The potential mechanisms, genetic implications, and proposed biomarkers for lipedema are further discussed in detail. Finally, we mention the challenges related to lipedema and emphasize the prospects of technological interventions to benefit the lipedema community in the future.
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3
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Duhon BH, Phan TT, Taylor SL, Crescenzi RL, Rutkowski JM. Current Mechanistic Understandings of Lymphedema and Lipedema: Tales of Fluid, Fat, and Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6621. [PMID: 35743063 PMCID: PMC9223758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphedema and lipedema are complex diseases. While the external presentation of swollen legs in lower-extremity lymphedema and lipedema appear similar, current mechanistic understandings of these diseases indicate unique aspects of their underlying pathophysiology. They share certain clinical features, such as fluid (edema), fat (adipose expansion), and fibrosis (extracellular matrix remodeling). Yet, these diverge on their time course and known molecular regulators of pathophysiology and genetics. This divergence likely indicates a unique route leading to interstitial fluid accumulation and subsequent inflammation in lymphedema versus lipedema. Identifying disease mechanisms that are causal and which are merely indicative of the condition is far more explored in lymphedema than in lipedema. In primary lymphedema, discoveries of genetic mutations link molecular markers to mechanisms of lymphatic disease. Much work remains in this area towards better risk assessment of secondary lymphedema and the hopeful discovery of validated genetic diagnostics for lipedema. The purpose of this review is to expose the distinct and shared (i) clinical criteria and symptomatology, (ii) molecular regulators and pathophysiology, and (iii) genetic markers of lymphedema and lipedema to help inform future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey H. Duhon
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A & M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (B.H.D.); (T.T.P.)
| | - Thien T. Phan
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A & M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (B.H.D.); (T.T.P.)
| | - Shannon L. Taylor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University School of Engineering, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Rachelle L. Crescenzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University School of Engineering, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Joseph M. Rutkowski
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A & M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (B.H.D.); (T.T.P.)
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4
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Michelini S, Herbst KL, Precone V, Manara E, Marceddu G, Dautaj A, Maltese PE, Paolacci S, Ceccarini MR, Beccari T, Sorrentino E, Aquilanti B, Velluti V, Matera G, Gagliardi L, Miggiano GAD, Bertelli M. A Multi-Gene Panel to Identify Lipedema-Predisposing Genetic Variants by a Next-Generation Sequencing Strategy. J Pers Med 2022; 12:268. [PMID: 35207755 PMCID: PMC8877075 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipedema is a disabling disease characterized by symmetric enlargement of the lower and/or upper limbs due to deposits of subcutaneous fat, that is easily misdiagnosed. Lipedema can be primary or syndromic, and can be the main feature of phenotypically overlapping disorders. The aim of this study was to design a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel to help in the diagnosis of lipedema by identifying genes specific for lipedema but also genes for overlapping diseases, and targets for tailored treatments. We developed an NGS gene panel consisting of 305 genes potentially associated with lipedema and putative overlapping diseases relevant to lipedema. The genomes of 162 Italian and American patients with lipedema were sequenced. Twenty-one deleterious variants, according to 3 out of 5 predictors, were detected in PLIN1, LIPE, ALDH18A1, PPARG, GHR, INSR, RYR1, NPC1, POMC, NR0B2, GCKR, PPARA in 17 patients. This extended NGS-based approach has identified a number of gene variants that may be important in the diagnosis of lipedema, that may affect the phenotypic presentation of lipedema or that may cause disorders that could be confused with lipedema. This tool may be important for the diagnosis and treatment of people with pathologic subcutaneous fat tissue accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Michelini
- Vascular Diagnostics and Rehabilitation Service, Marino Hospital, ASL Roma 6, 00047 Marino, Italy;
| | - Karen L. Herbst
- Department of Endocrinology and Research, Total Lipedema Care, Los Angeles, CA 90211, USA;
| | - Vincenza Precone
- MAGI EUREGIO, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (V.P.); (G.M.); (E.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Elena Manara
- MAGI’S LAB, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (E.M.); (A.D.); (P.E.M.)
| | | | - Astrit Dautaj
- MAGI’S LAB, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (E.M.); (A.D.); (P.E.M.)
| | | | | | - Maria Rachele Ceccarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (M.R.C.); (T.B.)
- C.I.B., Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Biotecnologie, 34148 Trieste, Italy
| | - Tommaso Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (M.R.C.); (T.B.)
- C.I.B., Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Biotecnologie, 34148 Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisa Sorrentino
- MAGI EUREGIO, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (V.P.); (G.M.); (E.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Barbara Aquilanti
- UOC Nutrizione Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (B.A.); (V.V.); (G.M.); (L.G.); (G.A.D.M.)
| | - Valeria Velluti
- UOC Nutrizione Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (B.A.); (V.V.); (G.M.); (L.G.); (G.A.D.M.)
| | - Giuseppina Matera
- UOC Nutrizione Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (B.A.); (V.V.); (G.M.); (L.G.); (G.A.D.M.)
| | - Lucilla Gagliardi
- UOC Nutrizione Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (B.A.); (V.V.); (G.M.); (L.G.); (G.A.D.M.)
| | - Giacinto Abele Donato Miggiano
- UOC Nutrizione Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (B.A.); (V.V.); (G.M.); (L.G.); (G.A.D.M.)
| | - Matteo Bertelli
- MAGI EUREGIO, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (V.P.); (G.M.); (E.S.); (M.B.)
- MAGI’S LAB, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (E.M.); (A.D.); (P.E.M.)
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5
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Abstract
Adipose tissue, once thought to be an inert receptacle for energy storage, is now recognized as a complex tissue with multiple resident cell populations that actively collaborate in response to diverse local and systemic metabolic, thermal, and inflammatory signals. A key participant in adipose tissue homeostasis that has only recently captured broad scientific attention is the lymphatic vasculature. The lymphatic system's role in lipid trafficking and mediating inflammation makes it a natural partner in regulating adipose tissue, and evidence supporting a bidirectional relationship between lymphatics and adipose tissue has accumulated in recent years. Obesity is now understood to impair lymphatic function, whereas altered lymphatic function results in aberrant adipose tissue deposition, though the molecular mechanisms governing these phenomena have yet to be fully elucidated. We will review our current understanding of the relationship between adipose tissue and the lymphatic system here, focusing on known mechanisms of lymphatic-adipose crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory P Westcott
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Evan D Rosen
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Correspondence: Evan D. Rosen, MD, PhD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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6
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Efficacy of denosumab therapy for a 12-year-old female patient with Williams syndrome with osteoporosis and history of fractures: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2021; 15:594. [PMID: 34906232 PMCID: PMC8672516 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-021-03175-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A decrease in bone mineral density is common in patients with Williams syndrome. However, appropriate management for osteoporosis in Williams syndrome patients has not been established. We report the case of a 12-year-old female patient with Williams syndrome, who underwent denosumab treatment for osteoporosis. Case presentation A 12-year-old Japanese female patient with Williams syndrome was shown to have very low bone mineral density. Bone mineral density was evaluated before treatment and at 5, 9, 17, 23, and 29 months of treatment by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. After denosumab therapy for 29 months, lumbar and total hip bone mineral density values had increased by 51.6% and 37.6%, respectively. No new fractures occurred during the observation period. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experience with denosumab treatment in Williams syndrome patients with osteoporosis. Based on our findings, denosumab may be an effective treatment option for Williams syndrome patients with osteoporosis.
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7
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Bertlich M, Jakob M, Bertlich I, Schift R, Bertlich R. Lipedema in a male patient: report of a rare case - management and review of the literature. GMS INTERDISCIPLINARY PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY DGPW 2021; 10:Doc11. [PMID: 34660173 PMCID: PMC8495372 DOI: 10.3205/iprs000161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Lipedema is a relatively common yet debilitating and often misdiagnosed lipodystrophy that mainly affects females. Very little is known about the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease. However, due to its high preference for female patients, hormonal factors may contribute to the pathogenesis. Case: A 62-year-old male patient presented to the authors with painful swelling of the thighs. The patient had been treated elsewhere for lymphedema with subsequent disease progression. Lipedema stage IV was confirmed by clinical examination and ultrasound. The patient underwent three sessions of tumescence liposuction which was well tolerated. Later on, the patient reported great improvement in terms of complaints as well as disfigurement. Conclusion: The etiology and pathophysiology of lipedema remain unclear. However, the case at hand shows that lipedema may, albeit rare, also present in male patients. Moreover, we show that liposuction is efficient and safe in treating lipedema even in atypical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattis Bertlich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Dermafit Institute for Aesthetic Dermatology, Marl, Germany
| | - Mark Jakob
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Ines Bertlich
- Dermafit Institute for Aesthetic Dermatology, Marl, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Reggy Schift
- Dermafit Institute for Aesthetic Dermatology, Marl, Germany.,Dermatologic Practice Reggy Schift, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
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8
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Williams syndrome is a multisystem disorder caused by a microdeletion on chromosome 7q. Throughout infancy, childhood, and adulthood, abnormalities in body composition and in multiple endocrine axes may arise for individuals with Williams syndrome. This review describes the current literature regarding growth, body composition, and endocrine issues in Williams syndrome with recommendations for surveillance and management by the endocrinologist, geneticist, or primary care physician. RECENT FINDINGS In addition to known abnormalities in stature, calcium metabolism, and thyroid function, individuals with Williams syndrome are increasingly recognized to have low bone mineral density, increased body fat, and decreased muscle mass. Furthermore, recent literature identifies a high prevalence of diabetes and obesity starting in adolescence, and, less commonly, a lipedema phenotype in both male and female individuals. Understanding of the mechanisms by which haploinsufficiency of genes in the Williams syndrome-deleted region contributes to the multisystem phenotype of Williams syndrome continues to evolve. SUMMARY Multiple abnormalities in growth, body composition, and endocrine axes may manifest in individuals with Williams syndrome. Individuals with Williams syndrome should have routine surveillance for these issues in either the primary care setting or by an endocrinologist or geneticist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takara L. Stanley
- Pediatric Endocrine Division, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aaron Leong
- Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Barbara R. Pober
- Genetics Division, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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9
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Allen M, Schwartz M, Herbst KL. Interstitial Fluid in Lipedema and Control Skin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 1:480-487. [PMID: 33786515 PMCID: PMC7784769 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2020.0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Fluid in lymphedema tissue appears histologically as spaces around vessels and between dermal skin fibers. Lipedema is a painful disease of excess loose connective tissue (fat) in limbs, almost exclusively of women, that worsens by stage, increasing lymphedema risk. Many women with lipedema have hypermobile joints suggesting a connective tissue disorder that may affect vessel structure and compliance of tissue resulting in excess fluid entering the interstitial space. It is unclear if excess fluid is present in lipedema tissue. The purpose of this study is to determine if fluid accumulates around vessels and between skin fibers in the thigh tissue of women with lipedema. Methods: Skin biopsies from the thigh and abdomen from 30 controls and 80 women with lipedema were evaluated for dermal spaces and abnormal vessel phenotype (AVP): (1) rounded endothelial cells; (2) perivascular spaces; and (3) perivascular immune cell infiltrate. Women matched for body mass index (BMI) and age were considered controls if they did not have lipedema on clinical examination. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) or unpaired t-tests using GraphPad Prism Software 7. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Lipedema tissue mass increases beginning with Stage 1 up to Stage 3, with lipedema fat accumulating more on the limbs than the abdomen. AVP was higher in lipedema thigh (p = 0.003) but not abdomen skin compared with controls. AVP was higher in thigh skin of women with Stage 1 (p = 0.001) and Stage 2 (p = 0.03) but not Stage 3 lipedema versus controls. AVP also was greater in the thigh skin of women with lipedema without obesity versus lipedema with obesity (p < 0.0001). Dermal space was increased in lipedema thigh (p = 0.0003) but not abdomen versus controls. Dermal spaces were also increased in women with lipedema Stage 3 (p < 0.0001) and Stage 2 (p = 0.0007) compared with controls. Conclusion: Excess interstitial fluid in lipedema tissue may originate from dysfunctional blood vessels (microangiopathy). Increased compliance of connective tissue in higher stages of lipedema may allow fluid to disperse into the interstitial space, including between skin dermal fibers. Lipedema may be an early form of lymphedema. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02838277.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Allen
- Department of Medicine, TREAT Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Karen L Herbst
- Department of Medicine, TREAT Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Herbst Clinic, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Limitless Therapeutics and Karen L. Herbst MD, PC, Los Angeles, California, USA
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10
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SVF-derived extracellular vesicles carry characteristic miRNAs in lipedema. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7211. [PMID: 32350368 PMCID: PMC7190633 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64215-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disease of adipose tissue with lack of consistent diagnostic criteria. The aim of this study was a thorough comparative characterization of extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of healthy and lipedema adipose tissue. For this, we analyzed 187 extracellular miRNAs in concentrated conditioned medium (cCM) and specifically in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) enriched thereof by size exclusion chromatography. No significant difference in median particle size and concentration was observed between sEV fractions in healthy and lipedema. We found the majority of miRNAs located predominantly in cCM compared to sEV enriched fraction. Surprisingly, hierarchical clustering of the most variant miRNAs showed that only sEVmiRNA profiles – but not cCMmiRNAs – were impacted by lipedema. Seven sEVmiRNAs (miR–16-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-24-3p, miR-454-p, miR–144-5p, miR-130a-3p, let-7c-5p) were differently regulated in lipedema and healthy individuals, whereas only one cCMmiRNA (miR-188-5p) was significantly downregulated in lipedema. Comparing SVF from healthy and lipedema patients, we identified sEVs as the lipedema relevant miRNA fraction. This study contributes to identify the potential role of SVF secreted miRNAs in lipedema.
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11
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Buso G, Depairon M, Tomson D, Raffoul W, Vettor R, Mazzolai L. Lipedema: A Call to Action! Obesity (Silver Spring) 2019; 27:1567-1576. [PMID: 31544340 PMCID: PMC6790573 DOI: 10.1002/oby.22597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Lipedema is a chronic progressive disease characterized by abnormal fat distribution resulting in disproportionate, painful limbs. It almost exclusively affects women, leading to considerable disability, daily functioning impairment, and psychosocial distress. Literature shows both scarce and conflicting data regarding its prevalence. Lipedema has been considered a rare entity by several authors, though it may be a far more frequent condition than thought. Despite the clinical impact on women's health, lipedema is in fact mostly unknown, underdiagnosed, and too often misdiagnosed with other similarly presenting diseases. Polygenic susceptibility combined with hormonal, microvascular, and lymphatic disorders may be partly responsible for its development. Furthermore, consistent information on lipedema pathophysiology is still lacking, and an etiological treatment is not yet available. Weight loss measures exhibit minimal effect on the abnormal body fat distribution, resulting in eating disorders, increased obesity risk, depression, and other psychological complaints. Surgical techniques, such as liposuction and excisional lipectomy, represent therapeutic options in selected cases. This review aims to outline current evidence regarding lipedema epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and management. Increased awareness and a better understanding of its clinical presentation and pathophysiology are warranted to enable clinicians to diagnose and treat affected patients at an earlier stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Buso
- Angiology Division, Heart and Vessel DepartmentLausanne University HospitalLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Michele Depairon
- Angiology Division, Heart and Vessel DepartmentLausanne University HospitalLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Didier Tomson
- Angiology Division, Heart and Vessel DepartmentLausanne University HospitalLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Wassim Raffoul
- Plastic Surgery Division, Locomotor System DepartmentLausanne University HospitalLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Roberto Vettor
- Department of Medicine, Center for the Study and the Integrated Management of Obesity (EASO COM)Padova University HospitalPadovaItaly
| | - Lucia Mazzolai
- Angiology Division, Heart and Vessel DepartmentLausanne University HospitalLausanneSwitzerland
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12
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Shaikh S, Waxler JL, Lee H, Grinke K, Garry J, Pober BR, Stanley TL. Glucose and lipid metabolism, bone density, and body composition in individuals with Williams syndrome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2018; 89:596-604. [PMID: 30099760 PMCID: PMC6524786 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We assessed body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), glucose and lipids in Williams syndrome (WS), a rare microdeletion disorder. DESIGN Individuals with WS had outpatient assessment at Massachusetts General Hospital. Controls were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2005-2006). PATIENTS A total of 22 individuals with WS, each matched by age, sex and race to four NHANES controls. MEASUREMENTS Blood sampling, oral glucose tolerance test, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. RESULTS WS and control groups were 59% female and 29 ± 8 years old. Compared to controls, individuals with WS were shorter but had similar body weight, with more fat and less lean mass. Per cent body fat was higher in WS even after adjusting for BMI (+2.1% [95% CI 0.4, 3.9%]). Four WS patients had abnormal lower extremity fat accumulation resembling lipedema. HbA1c (+0.5% [0.2, 0.7]) and 2-hour glucose (+68 mg/dL [44, 93]) were higher in WS vs controls, differences which persisted after adjusting for BMI. Fasting glucose was comparable between groups. LDL (-18 mg/dL [-35, -2]) and triglycerides (-45 mg/dL [-87, -2]) were significantly lower in WS. Whole-body BMD was significantly lower (-0.15 g/cm2 [-0.20, -0.11]) in WS, and this remained true controlling for height (-0.06 g/cm2 [-0.11, -0.02]). Vitamin D was <30 ng/mL in 81% of those with WS. CONCLUSIONS On average, adults with WS have increased fat, decreased lean mass, impaired glucose homeostasis and reduced BMD. Clinical efforts to build muscle and bone mass, and to ensure vitamin D sufficiency, are warranted. Genotype-phenotype research efforts are also warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Shaikh
- Program in Nutritional Metabolism, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jessica L Waxler
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hang Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kathy Grinke
- Clinical Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jamie Garry
- Clinical Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Barbara R Pober
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Takara L Stanley
- Program in Nutritional Metabolism, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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13
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Abstract
Background Lipedema is a chronic disorder presenting in women during puberty or other times of hormonal change such as childbirth or menopause, characterized by symmetric enlargement of nodular, painful subcutaneous adipose tissue (fat) in the limbs, sparing the hands, feet and trunk. Healthcare providers underdiagnose or misdiagnose lipedema as obesity or lymphedema. Materials and methods The benefits (friend) and negative aspects (foe) of lipedema were collected from published literature, discussions with women with lipedema, and institutional review board approved evaluation of medical charts of 46 women with lipedema. Results Lipedema is a foe because lifestyle change does not reduce lipedema fat, the fat is painful, can become obese, causes gait and joint abnormalities, fatigue, lymphedema and psychosocial distress. Hypermobility associated with lipedema can exacerbate joint disease and aortic disease. In contrast, lipedema fat can be a friend as it is associated with relative reductions in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. In new data collected, lipedema was associated with a low risk of diabetes (2%), dyslipidemia (11.7%) and hypertension (13%) despite an obese average body mass index (BMI) of 35.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2. Conclusion Lipedema is a painful psychologically distressing fat disorder, more foe than friend especially due to associated obesity and lymphedema. More controlled studies are needed to study the mechanisms and treatments for lipedema.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rita Wadeea
- TREAT Program, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Victoria Rosas
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Karen L Herbst
- TREAT Program, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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