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Konenkov VI, Nimaev VV, Shevchenko AV, Prokofiev VF. Polymorphism of angiogenesis regulation factor genes (VEGF/VEGFR), and extracellular matrix remodeling genes (MMP/TIMP), and the levels of their products in extracellular tissues of patients with primary and secondary lymphedema. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2024; 28:433-442. [PMID: 39027126 PMCID: PMC11253019 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-24-49] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cells of various organs and systems perform their functions and intercellular interactions not in an inert environment, but in the microenvironment of tissue fluids. Violations of the normal drainage of tissue fluids accompany lymphedema. An important mechanism of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis regulation in tissue fluids is the production and reception of vascular endothelial growth factors in combination with the regulation of matrix metalloproteinases. The aim of the work was to perform: a comparative analysis of some polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor and their receptors and the genes encoding matrix metalloproteinases in two forms of lymphedema; an analysis of the relationship of these genes' polymorphisms with the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in serum and affected tissues. Polymorphism of VEGF (rs699947, rs3025039), KDR (rs10020464, rs11133360), NRP2 (rs849530, rs849563, rs16837641), matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 (rs2438650), MMP3 (rs3025058), MMP9 (rs3918242), Timp1 (rs6609533) and their combinations were analyzed by the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism method and TaqMan RT-PCR. The serum and tissue fluid levels were determined using the ELISA test system. Changes in the frequency distribution of MMP2 genotypes in primary and MMP3 in secondary lymphedema are shown. Significant frequency differences in NRP2 genotypes were revealed by comparing primary and secondary lymphedema. Features of the distribution of complex genotypes in primary and secondary lymphedema were revealed. The correlation analysis revealed the interdependence of the concentrations of the MMP, TIMP and VEGF products and differences in the structure of the correlation matrices of patients with both forms of lymphedema. It was shown that, in primary lymphedema, genotypes associated with low MMP2 and TIMP2 in serum and tissue fluid are detected, while in secondary lymphedema, other associations of the production levels with combined genetic traits are observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- V I Konenkov
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymрhology - Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - V V Nimaev
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymрhology - Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A V Shevchenko
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymрhology - Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - V F Prokofiev
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymрhology - Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Bowman C, Rockson SG. Genetic causes of lymphatic disorders: recent updates on the clinical and molecular aspects of lymphatic disease. Curr Opin Cardiol 2024; 39:170-177. [PMID: 38483006 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000001116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The lymphatic system facilitates several key functions that limit significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the impact and burden of lymphatic disorders, there are many remaining disorders whose genetic substrate remains unknown. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the genetic causes of lymphatic disorders, while reporting on newly proposed clinical classifications of lymphatic disease. RECENT FINDINGS We reviewed several new mutations in genes that have been identified as potential causes of lymphatic disorders including: MDFIC, EPHB 4 , and ANGPT2. Furthermore, the traditional St. George's Classification system for primary lymphatic anomalies has been updated to reflect the use of genetic testing, both as a tool for the clinical identification of lymphatic disease and as a method through which new sub-classifications of lymphatic disorders have been established within this framework. Finally, we highlighted recent clinical studies that have explored the impact of therapies such as sirolimus, ketoprofen, and acebilustat on lymphatic disorders. SUMMARY Despite a growing body of evidence, current literature demonstrates a persistent gap in the number of known genes responsible for lymphatic disease entities. Recent clinical classification tools have been introduced in order to integrate traditional symptom- and time-based diagnostic approaches with modern genetic classifications, as highlighted in the updated St. George's classification system. With the introduction of this novel approach, clinicians may be better equipped to recognize established disease and, potentially, to identify novel causal mutations. Further research is needed to identify additional genetic causes of disease and to optimize current clinical tools for diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharine Bowman
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Carroll BJ, Singhal D. Advances in lymphedema: An under-recognized disease with a hopeful future for patients. Vasc Med 2024; 29:70-84. [PMID: 38166534 DOI: 10.1177/1358863x231215329] [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: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Lymphedema has traditionally been underappreciated by the healthcare community. Understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and treatments beyond compression have been limited until recently. Increased investigation has demonstrated the key role of inflammation and resultant fibrosis and adipose deposition leading to the clinical sequelae and associated reduction in quality of life with lymphedema. New imaging techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), indocyanine green lymphography, and high-frequency ultrasound offer improved resolution and understanding of lymphatic anatomy and flow. Nonsurgical therapy with compression, exercise, and weight loss remains the mainstay of therapy, but growing surgical options show promise. Physiologic procedures (lymphovenous anastomosis and vascularized lymph node transfers) improve lymphatic flow in the diseased limb and may reduce edema and the burden of compression. Debulking, primarily with liposuction to remove the adipose deposition that has accumulated, results in a dramatic decrease in limb girth in appropriately selected patients. Though early, there are also exciting developments of potential therapeutic targets tackling the underlying drivers of the disease. Multidisciplinary teams have developed to offer the full breadth of evaluation and current management, but the development of a greater understanding and availability of therapies is needed to ensure patients with lymphedema have greater opportunity for optimal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett J Carroll
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dhruv Singhal
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Pateva I, Greene AK, Snyder KM. How we approach lymphedema in the pediatric population. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69 Suppl 3:e29908. [PMID: 36070213 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Lymphedema in children is rare; however, it is usually a progressive and chronic condition. Accurate diagnosis of lymphedema in the pediatric population often takes several months and sometimes is delayed for years. Lymphedema can be isolated or associated with genetic syndromes, thus it is very important to identify the correct diagnosis, to select carefully which patients to refer for genetic testing, and to initiate appropriate treatment in a timely fashion. In this article, we review key information about diagnosis of lymphedema, associated conditions and syndromes, and current treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Pateva
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Arin K Greene
- Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Lymphedema Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristen M Snyder
- Comprehensive Vascular Anomalies Program, Solid Tumor Program, Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Pateva I, Greene AK, Snyder KM. How we approach lymphedema in the pediatric population. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29611. [PMID: 35404535 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Lymphedema in children is rare; however, it is usually a progressive and chronic condition. Accurate diagnosis of lymphedema in the pediatric population often takes several months and sometimes is delayed for years. Lymphedema can be isolated or associated with genetic syndromes, thus it is very important to identify the correct diagnosis, to select carefully which patients to refer for genetic testing, and to initiate appropriate treatment in a timely fashion. In this article, we review key information about diagnosis of lymphedema, associated conditions and syndromes, and current treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Pateva
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Arin K Greene
- Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Lymphedema Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristen M Snyder
- Comprehensive Vascular Anomalies Program, Solid Tumor Program, Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Colmant C, Turpin S, Lambert R, Wong N, Ondrejchak S, Lapointe C, Powell J, Dubois J, McCuaig C. Pediatric Lymphedema: Study of 180 Patients Referred to a Tertiary Lymphedema Clinic. J Cutan Med Surg 2022; 26:502-511. [PMID: 35848765 DOI: 10.1177/12034754221112002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphedema is due to dysfunction of the lymphatic system. It can be primary or secondary. Pediatric lymphedema is more often primary and is a chronic disease with a heavy burden on quality of life. METHODS Medical records of patients under 18 years of age referred between 1996 and 2021 to the specialized lymphedema clinic at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center were reviewed. Demographic data, sex, age at presentation, location of the lymphedema, clinical features, genetic testing, symptoms, complications, investigations, and treatment were collected. RESULTS Of 180 referred patients, lymphedema was confirmed in 151, and 137 were primary lymphedema. Median age of apparition of primary lymphedema was 7.00 years and was significantly lower in boys than in girls. Primary congenital lymphedema was more frequent in boys (51.0%, 27.3% in girls, P = .007), and onset of primary lymphedema during adolescence was more frequent in girls (53.4%, 25.0% in boys, P = .001). Lower limbs were the most impacted (88.3%). Sixty patients had genetic testing, and 38 (63.3%) of them were discovered to have a pertinent genetic mutation. The most common mutated gene was the FLT4 gene (in 9 patients). Seven patients (5.1%) had associated extensive/central lymphatic malformation and 24 (17.6%) had a polymalformative syndrome/syndromic lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric lymphedema is more frequent in girls, usually involves lower limb, and is most often sporadic, but often associated with a genetic mutation, and genetic testing should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Colmant
- 25461 Dermatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sophie Turpin
- 25461 Nuclear Medicine Division, Department of Medical Imaging, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Raymond Lambert
- 25461 Nuclear Medicine Division, Department of Medical Imaging, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicole Wong
- 25461 Dermatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sandra Ondrejchak
- 25461 Vascular Anomalies Nurse, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chantal Lapointe
- 25461 Physiotherapy, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie Powell
- 25461 Dermatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Josée Dubois
- 25461 Department of Medical Imaging, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Catherine McCuaig
- 25461 Dermatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Healthcare Practitioners' Knowledge of Lymphedema. Int J Vasc Med 2022; 2021:3806150. [PMID: 35003807 PMCID: PMC8741388 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3806150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Lymphedema is neglected in medical education, and a review on healthcare practitioners' (HCPs) knowledge is necessary to shed light on gaps and to provide evidence for establishing educational programs on lymphedema. Methods This systematic review was performed based on the PRISMA guideline in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. There was no limitation on the type of lymphedema or HCPs. The quality assessment was performed based on QATSDD. Data regarding study characteristics, questionnaire context, and findings of the study were summarized from each article. Results After the screening, 16 articles were included that 12 were cross-sectional, two were qualitative, and two were interventional pilot studies. Breast cancer and other cancer-related lymphedema, lymphatic filariasis, and podoconiosis were included, and the majority of articles were focused on primary HCPs. The overall knowledge was low and average in five and 11 articles, respectively, and prior education was a significant factor related to higher knowledge of lymphedema in two studies. Conclusion Structured education of lymphedema is needed to increase the knowledge of HCPs and to enhance their collaboration in multidisciplinary care teams. Improvement of HCPs' knowledge may lead to better outcomes of lymphedema patients' management which are neglected.
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Westphal DS, Bergmann K, Martens E, Ibrahim T. A case report of RASA1-associated inherited lymphoedema with recurrent life-threatening lymphangitis. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2021; 5:ytab451. [PMID: 34859188 PMCID: PMC8633724 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytab451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Most cases of lymphoedema are secondary to other causes, while cases of primary lymphoedema, in particular that of congenital origin, are uncommon. Limited genetic disorders are so far known to be associated with lymphatic malformation including mutations in RASA1. This clinical case highlights the possible complications of RASA1-associated lymphatic malformation in a female suffering from recurrent life-threatening septic lymphangitis. Case summary A 23-year-old female patient presented with congenital lymphoedema of the lower right extremity. At the age of eight, she first suffered from an episode of lymphangitis. Thereafter, she developed recurrent episodes of lymphangitis predominately occurring during menstruation and culminating into severe and life-threatening septicaemias. Due to the menstrual association, endometriosis was suspected but could not be confirmed. Furthermore, angiography could not detect any sign of arteriovenous fistula. Single-Photon-Emission-Computed-Tomography confirmed absent major lymphatics of the right leg with severely impaired and prolonged dermal lymphatic backflow. Genetic testing identified a disease-causing variant in the RASA1 gene. Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first case of recurrent septic lymphangitis with close relation to menstruation in a female with RASA1-associated lymphatic malformation. Due to the possible de novo or somatic origin of a pathogenic variant, a genetic disease should be considered in spite of an unremarkable family history or a localized lymphoedema. Although there is no curative therapy available yet, the knowledge of the underlying genetic defect is important for interdisciplinary patient care and might be crucial for individual molecular therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik S Westphal
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Trogerstr. 32, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Eimo Martens
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Tareq Ibrahim
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
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Abstract
Lymphedema is a common, complex, and inexplicably underappreciated human disease. Despite a history of relative neglect by health care providers and by governmental health care agencies, the last decade has seen an explosive growth of insights into, and approaches to, the problem of human lymphedema. The current review highlights the significant advances that have occurred in the investigative and clinical approaches to lymphedema, particularly over the last decade. This review summarizes the progress that has been attained in the realms of genetics, lymphatic imaging, and lymphatic surgery. Newer molecular insights are explored, along with their relationship to future molecular therapeutics. Growing insights into the relationships among lymphedema, obesity, and other comorbidities are important to consider in current and future responses to patients with lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley G Rockson
- Allan and Tina Neill Professor of Lymphatic Research and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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