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Fowler JWM, Song L, Tam K, Roth Flach RJ. Targeting lymphatic function in cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome: preclinical methods to analyze lymphatic function and therapeutic opportunities. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1412857. [PMID: 38915742 PMCID: PMC11194411 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1412857] [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: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic vascular system spans nearly every organ in the body and serves as an important network that maintains fluid, metabolite, and immune cell homeostasis. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the role of lymphatic biology in chronic disorders outside the realm of lymphatic abnormalities, lymphedema, or oncology, such as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM). We propose that enhancing lymphatic function pharmacologically may be a novel and effective way to improve quality of life in patients with CKM syndrome by engaging multiple pathologies at once throughout the body. Several promising therapeutic targets that enhance lymphatic function have already been reported and may have clinical benefit. However, much remains unclear of the discreet ways the lymphatic vasculature interacts with CKM pathogenesis, and translation of these therapeutic targets to clinical development is challenging. Thus, the field must improve characterization of lymphatic function in preclinical mouse models of CKM syndrome to better understand molecular mechanisms of disease and uncover effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rachel J. Roth Flach
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Research and Development, Cambridge, MA, United States
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Hao J, Qiang P, Fan L, Xiong Y, Chang Y, Yang F, Wang X, Shimosawa T, Mu S, Xu Q. Eplerenone reduces lymphangiogenesis in the contralateral kidneys of UUO rats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9976. [PMID: 38693148 PMCID: PMC11063175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60636-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and fibrosis often occur in the kidney after acute injury, resulting in chronic kidney disease and consequent renal failure. Recent studies have indicated that lymphangiogenesis can drive renal inflammation and fibrosis in injured kidneys. However, whether and how this pathogenesis affects the contralateral kidney remain largely unknown. In our study, we uncovered a mechanism by which the contralateral kidney responded to injury. We found that the activation of mineralocorticoid receptors and the increase in vascular endothelial growth factor C in the contralateral kidney after unilateral ureteral obstruction could promote lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, mineralocorticoid receptor activation in lymphatic endothelial cells resulted in the secretion of myofibroblast markers, thereby contributing to renal fibrosis. We observed that this process could be attenuated by administering the mineralocorticoid receptor blocker eplerenone, which, prevented the development of fibrotic injury in the contralateral kidneys of rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction. These findings offer valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying kidney injury and may have implications for the development of therapeutic strategies to mitigate renal fibrosis in the context of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Hao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Shijiazhuang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Panpan Qiang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lili Fan
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yunzhao Xiong
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yi Chang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiangting Wang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tatsuo Shimosawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shengyu Mu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Qingyou Xu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China.
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China.
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Stasi E, Sciascia S, Naretto C, Baldovino S, Roccatello D. Lymphatic System and the Kidney: From Lymphangiogenesis to Renal Inflammation and Fibrosis Development. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2853. [PMID: 38474100 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic kidney system plays a crucial role in managing interstitial fluid removal, regulating fluid balance, and tuning immune response. It also assists in the reabsorption of proteins, electrolytes, cytokines, growth factors, and immune cells. Pathological conditions, including tissue damage, excessive interstitial fluid, high blood glucose levels, and inflammation, can initiate lymphangiogenesis-the formation of new lymphatic vessels. This process is associated with various kidney diseases, including polycystic kidney disease, hypertension, ultrafiltration challenges, and complications post-organ transplantation. Although lymphangiogenesis has beneficial effects in removing excess fluid and immune cells, it may also contribute to inflammation and fibrosis within the kidneys. In this review, we aim to discuss the biology of the lymphatic system, from its development and function to its response to disease stimuli, with an emphasis on renal pathophysiology. Furthermore, we explore how innovative treatments targeting the lymphatic system could potentially enhance the management of kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Stasi
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, ASL Città di Torino and Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Savino Sciascia
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, ASL Città di Torino and Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Naretto
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, ASL Città di Torino and Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Baldovino
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, ASL Città di Torino and Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Dario Roccatello
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, ASL Città di Torino and Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10154 Turin, Italy
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Pesold VV, Wendler O, Gröhn F, Mueller SK. Lymphatic Vessels in Chronic Rhinosinusitis. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:865-880. [PMID: 38348276 PMCID: PMC10860572 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s436450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze the nasal lymphatic system in order to uncover novel factors that might be involved in pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Patients and Methods Lymphatic vessels (LVs) and macrophages were localized and counted in the inferior and middle turbinate, the uncinate process and the ethmoid of CRSwNP and CRSsNP patients, the NP and the inferior turbinate of controls (n≥6 per group). Lysates of the same tissue types (n=7 per group) were analyzed for lymphatic vessel endothelial receptor 1 (LYVE-1), for matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP-14) and for Hyaluronic acid (HA) using ELISA. HA was localized in sections of CRSwNP NP, CRSsNP ethmoid and control inferior turbinate (n=6 per group). The results of HA levels were correlated to the number of macrophages in tissues. The nasal secretions of CRSwNP (n=28), CRSsNP (n=30), and control (n=30) patients were analyzed for LYVE-1 and HA using ELISA. Results The number of LVs was significantly lower in tissues of both CRS groups compared to the control. In the tissue lysates, LYVE-1 expression differed significantly between the CRSwNP tissues with a particularly high level in the NP. MMP-14 was significantly overexpressed in CRSwNP uncinate process. There were no significant differences in tissue HA expression. In the mucus LYVE-1 was significantly underexpressed in CRSsNP compared to CRSwNP and control, while HA was significantly underexpressed in both CRS groups. In the NP, HA and macrophages were accumulated particularly below the epithelium. Tissue levels of HA revealed a significant positive correlation with the number of macrophages. Conclusion CRS might be associated with an insufficient clearing of the nasal mucosa through the lymphatics. The accumulation of HA and macrophages might promote inflammation, fluid retention, and polyp formation. These results may provide novel CRS-associated factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa-Vivien Pesold
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, BY, Germany
| | - Olaf Wendler
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, BY, Germany
| | - Franziska Gröhn
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, BY, Germany
| | - Sarina K Mueller
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, BY, Germany
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Gao D, Zhong W, Zhang W, Wang X, Li W, Liu J. Chronic systemic capillary leak syndrome with lymphatic capillaries involvement and MYOF mutation: case report and literature review. Front Genet 2023; 14:1282711. [PMID: 38054026 PMCID: PMC10694220 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1282711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare disorder characterized by hemoconcentration, hypoproteinemia and edema. Chronic SCLS (cSCLS) presents as intractable edema, distinguishing it from the classic acute form, and only about 10 cases were reported worldwide. Nevertheless, the underlying pathogenesis of both types is obscure. Case presentation: We report a case of a 58-year-old man with chronic edema persisting for 8 years, complicated by unique chylous polyserous effusions and hypotrichosis, which was successfully relieved by treatment with dexamethasone, intravenous immunoglobulin, and thalidomide. Furthermore, a variant c.5594A>G (p.K1865R) in the MYOF gene was identified as a potentially pathogenic mutation through whole-exome genetic sequencing. The proposed mechanism involves its impact on VEGF signaling, leading to increased capillary permeability. Conclusion: Our case illustrates possible lymphatic capillaries involvement in SCLS, which may plays a potential role in immune disorder, and revealed a possible causative genetic mutation of SCLS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jun Liu
- Department of General Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Wang D, Zhao Y, Zhou Y, Yang S, Xiao X, Feng L. Angiogenesis-An Emerging Role in Organ Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14123. [PMID: 37762426 PMCID: PMC10532049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the study of lymphangiogenesis and fibrotic diseases has made considerable achievements, and accumulating evidence indicates that lymphangiogenesis plays a key role in the process of fibrosis in various organs. Although the effects of lymphangiogenesis on fibrosis disease have not been conclusively determined due to different disease models and pathological stages of organ fibrosis, its importance in the development of fibrosis is unquestionable. Therefore, we expounded on the characteristics of lymphangiogenesis in fibrotic diseases from the effects of lymphangiogenesis on fibrosis, the source of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), the mechanism of fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis, and the therapeutic effect of intervening lymphangiogenesis on fibrosis. We found that expansion of LECs or lymphatic networks occurs through original endothelial cell budding or macrophage differentiation into LECs, and the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR3) pathway is central in fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis. Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE1), as a receptor of LECs, is also involved in the regulation of lymphangiogenesis. Intervention with lymphangiogenesis improves fibrosis to some extent. In the complex organ fibrosis microenvironment, a variety of functional cells, inflammatory factors and chemokines synergistically or antagonistically form the complex network involved in fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis and regulate the progression of fibrosis disease. Further clarifying the formation of a new fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis network may potentially provide new strategies for the treatment of fibrosis disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Li Feng
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (D.W.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.X.)
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Ruliffson BNK, Whittington CF. Regulating Lymphatic Vasculature in Fibrosis: Understanding the Biology to Improve the Modeling. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200158. [PMID: 36792967 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis occurs in many chronic diseases with lymphatic vascular insufficiency (e.g., kidney disease, tumors, and lymphedema). New lymphatic capillary growth can be triggered by fibrosis-related tissue stiffening and soluble factors, but questions remain for how related biomechanical, biophysical, and biochemical cues affect lymphatic vascular growth and function. The current preclinical standard for studying lymphatics is animal modeling, but in vitro and in vivo outcomes often do not align. In vitro models can also be limited in their ability to separate vascular growth and function as individual outcomes, and fibrosis is not traditionally included in model design. Tissue engineering provides an opportunity to address in vitro limitations and mimic microenvironmental features that impact lymphatic vasculature. This review discusses fibrosis-related lymphatic vascular growth and function in disease and the current state of in vitro lymphatic vascular models while highlighting relevant knowledge gaps. Additional insights into the future of in vitro lymphatic vascular models demonstrate how prioritizing fibrosis alongside lymphatics will help capture the complexity and dynamics of lymphatics in disease. Overall, this review aims to emphasize that an advanced understanding of lymphatics within a fibrotic disease-enabled through more accurate preclinical modeling-will significantly impact therapeutic development toward restoring lymphatic vessel growth and function in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian N K Ruliffson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd., Worcester, MA, 01609, USA
| | - Catherine F Whittington
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd., Worcester, MA, 01609, USA
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Peluzzo AM, Bkhache M, Do LNH, Autieri MV, Liu X. Differential regulation of lymphatic junctional morphology and the potential effects on cardiovascular diseases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1198052. [PMID: 37187962 PMCID: PMC10175597 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1198052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature provides an essential route to drain fluid, macromolecules, and immune cells from the interstitium as lymph, returning it to the bloodstream where the thoracic duct meets the subclavian vein. To ensure functional lymphatic drainage, the lymphatic system contains a complex network of vessels which has differential regulation of unique cell-cell junctions. The lymphatic endothelial cells lining initial lymphatic vessels form permeable "button-like" junctions which allow substances to enter the vessel. Collecting lymphatic vessels form less permeable "zipper-like" junctions which retain lymph within the vessel and prevent leakage. Therefore, sections of the lymphatic bed are differentially permeable, regulated in part by its junctional morphology. In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of regulating lymphatic junctional morphology, highlighting how it relates to lymphatic permeability during development and disease. We will also discuss the effect of alterations in lymphatic permeability on efficient lymphatic flux in health and how it may affect cardiovascular diseases, with a focus on atherosclerosis.
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