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Dinnendahl R, Tschimmel D, Löw V, Cornely M, Hucho T. Non-obese lipedema patients show a distinctly altered quantitative sensory testing profile with high diagnostic potential. Pain Rep 2024; 9:e1155. [PMID: 38617100 PMCID: PMC11013692 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction and Objectives Lipedema is a widespread severe chronic disease affecting mostly women. Characterized by painful bilateral fat accumulation in extremities sparing hands and feet, objective measurement-based diagnosis is currently missing. We tested for characteristic psychometric and/or sensory alterations including pain and for their potential for medical routine diagnosis. Methods Pain psychometry was assessed using the German Pain Questionnaire. Sensory sensitivity toward painful and nonpainful stimuli was characterized in non-obese lipedema patients and matched controls using the validated quantitative sensory testing (QST) protocol of the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain. Results Lipedema patients showed no overt psychometric abnormalities. Pain was reported as somatic rather than psychosomatic aversive. All QST measurements were normal, but the z-score of pressure pain thresholds (PPT) was twofold reduced and the z-score of vibration detection thresholds (VDT) was two and a half times increased. Both thresholds were selectively altered at the affected thigh but not the unaffected hand. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the combination of PPT and VDT of thigh vs hand into a PVTH score (PPT, VDT, thigh, hand-score) shows high sensitivity and specificity, categorizing correctly 95.8% of the participants as lipedema patients or healthy controls. Bayesian inference analysis corroborated the diagnostic potential of such a combined PVTH score. Conclusion We propose to assess PPT and VDT at the painful thigh and the pain-free hand. Combination in a PVTH score may allow a convenient lipedema diagnosis early during disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Dinnendahl
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dominik Tschimmel
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vanessa Löw
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Manuel Cornely
- CG Lympha GmbH, Cologne, Germany
- Ly.Search GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tim Hucho
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Keith L, Seo C, Wahi MM, Huggins S, Carmody M, Faerber G, Forner-Cordero I, Michelini S, Rapprich S, Rockson SG. Proposed Framework for Research Case Definitions of Lipedema. Lymphat Res Biol 2024; 22:93-105. [PMID: 38546398 PMCID: PMC11044873 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2023.0062] [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] Open
Abstract
Background: Our aim is to propose a framework for the development of a research case definition of lipedema, based on current available literature and those observations that can be applied to future lipedema research with the intent to standardize and strengthen the scientific evidence base. Methods and Results: We conducted a narrative review of the literature, and identified consensus characteristics and disputed characteristics that could be included in a research case definition of lipedema. After considering the strength of the evidence and how each characteristic might be measured in a research study, we recommended an approach for the development of a research case definition of lipedema that would be based on consideration of five agreed-upon characteristics, and five disputed, or less substantiated, characteristics as additional evidence to enhance specificity. Conclusions: We present a case definition framework for lipedema drawn from the scientific literature that can be applied to future studies on lipedema. Utilizing this framework should help to increase the sensitivity and specificity of case definition and provide an opportunity for meta-analysis of clinical studies and facilitate future research intercomparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslyn Keith
- Lipedema Project, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine Seo
- Lipedema Project, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Lipedema Simplified, LLC, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Siobhan Huggins
- Lipedema Project, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Lipedema Simplified, LLC, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew Carmody
- Lipedema Simplified, LLC, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Stanley G. Rockson
- Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Verde L, Camajani E, Annunziata G, Sojat A, Marina LV, Colao A, Caprio M, Muscogiuri G, Barrea L. Ketogenic Diet: A Nutritional Therapeutic Tool for Lipedema? Curr Obes Rep 2023; 12:529-543. [PMID: 37924422 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00536-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence on the efficacy, also considering the anti-inflammatory properties and safety of very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) as a potential treatment for lipedema, particularly in the context of obesity. RECENT FINDINGS Lipedema is a chronic disease characterized by abnormal and painful fat buildup on the legs and/or arms. It is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema. However, although lipedema and obesity can coexist, unlike obesity, lipedema usually affects the legs and thighs without affecting the feet or hands, and the abnormal deposition of adipose tissue in lipedema is painful. The current lifestyle interventions are often unsuccessful in the management of lipedema. There is no consensus on the most effective nutritional approach for managing lipedema. Recent studies have suggested that VLCKD may be an effective treatment for lipedema, demonstrating that it is also superior to other nutritional approaches such as Mediterranean diet or intermittent fasting. Lipedema is a chronic and debilitating disease characterized by abnormal and painful accumulation of adipose tissue in the legs. VLCKD has been shown to be an effective treatment for lipedema, especially in the context of obesity, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, further research is needed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of VLCKD as a treatment for lipedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Verde
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Camajani
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Annunziata
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Antoanstefan Sojat
- Department for Obesity, Metabolic and Reproductive Disorders, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana V Marina
- Department for Obesity, Metabolic and Reproductive Disorders, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Cattedra Unesco "Educazione Alla Salute E Allo Sviluppo Sostenibile", University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Caprio
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Muscogiuri
- Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- Cattedra Unesco "Educazione Alla Salute E Allo Sviluppo Sostenibile", University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luigi Barrea
- Dipartimento di Scienze Umanistiche, Università Telematica Pegaso, Centro Direzionale, Via Porzio, Isola F2, 80143, Naples, Italy
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Kodim A, Wollina U. [Microcannular liposuction in tumescent anesthesia in lipedema patients: an analysis of 519 liposuctions]. Wien Med Wochenschr 2023; 173:290-298. [PMID: 37314596 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-023-01017-5] [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] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This is a retrospective analysis of all lipedema patients treated by tumescent liposuction at our department in the years 2007-2021: We performed 519 liposuctions in 178 patients with a mean age of 45 ± 15.5 years. By the stage of lipedema the mean age increased significantly, what underlines the concept of lipedema as a chronic progressive disorder. Three-thirds of patients reported at least one comorbidity. The most common were arterial hypertension (32.58%), obesity (24.16%), and hypothyroidism (20.79%). We removed a mean lipoaspirate volume of 4905 ± 2800 mL. A major target for treatment is pain reduction. All patients reported at least a 50% pain reduction after liposuction, while 96 achieved a pain reduction ≥ 90%. The pre-operative pain intensity (p = 0.000) and the lipedema stage (p = 0.032) exerted a significant impact on absolute pain reduction. There was no association of pain reduction to volume loss. The post-operative rate of adverse events was 2.89%. Liposuction in tumescent anesthesia is an effective and safe method to reduce both pain and volume in patients with lipedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Kodim
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Städtisches Klinikum Dresden, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus, Dresden, Deutschland, 01067
| | - Uwe Wollina
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Städtisches Klinikum Dresden, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus, Dresden, Deutschland, 01067.
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Hucho T. [Lipedema pain-the neglected symptom]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 74:575-579. [PMID: 37438647 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-023-05189-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Pain, which is a central characteristic of lipedema, allows differentiation from other fat tissue diseases. The analysis of the multiple aspects of pain beyond a quantification of pain scale scores could make molecular disease and therapy mechanisms accessible. Lipedema pain is causally linked to lipedema fat. First robust data show peripheral sensory changes. Tissue weight and systemic inflammation are becoming less likely as causes for the experianced pain. Furthermore, genetics and hormonal influences need to be investigated. Lipedema pain cannot currently be treated with drugs. Physical therapy shows transient relief. Liposuction has been shown to have a long-term effect on pain. The potential of modulating the perception of pain with psychotherapeutic approaches is emerging as a potentially effective new therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hucho
- Translationale Schmerzforschung, Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Uniklinik Köln (AöR), Universität zu Köln, Joseph-Stelzmann Str. 9, Geb. 35, 50931, Köln, Deutschland.
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Kloosterman LM, Hendrickx A, Scafoglieri A, Jager-Wittenaar H, Dekker R. Functioning of People with Lipoedema According to All Domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1989. [PMID: 36767355 PMCID: PMC9915552 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Lipoedema is a painful non-pitting diffuse "fatty" swelling, usually confined to the legs, that occurs mainly in women. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the available research on the functioning of people with lipoedema, according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Relevant publications and gray literature were retrieved until October 2022. The results sections of each publication were organized using a thematic framework approach. All included studies reported at least one outcome fitting within the domains of body functions and body structures, with most studies focusing on the categories of "sensation of pain", "immunological system functions", and "weight maintenance functions". The ICF domains of activities and participation and environmental factors were mentioned in a small number of the included studies (17 and 13%, respectively), while the domain of personal factors was studied in half of the included studies. In conclusion, the emphasis of lipoedema research is on its description from a disorder-oriented point of view in the form of body functions and body structures, with a lack of information about the other domains of functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Maren Kloosterman
- Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
- FAITH Research, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise for Lymphovascular Medicine, Nij Smellinghe Hospital, Compagnonsplein 1, 9202 NN Drachten, The Netherlands
- Experimental Anatomy Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ad Hendrickx
- Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
- FAITH Research, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise for Lymphovascular Medicine, Nij Smellinghe Hospital, Compagnonsplein 1, 9202 NN Drachten, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Health Psychology, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Scafoglieri
- Experimental Anatomy Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Harriët Jager-Wittenaar
- Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
- FAITH Research, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
- Experimental Anatomy Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rienk Dekker
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
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Wang J, Yu Z, Hu Y, Li F, Huang X, Zhao X, Tang Y, Fang S, Tang Y. EGCG promotes the sensory function recovery in rats after dorsal root crush injury by upregulating KAT6A and inhibiting pyroptosis. Transl Neurosci 2023; 14:20220326. [PMID: 38152093 PMCID: PMC10751571 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0326] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dorsal root injury usually leads to irreversible sensory function loss and lacks effective treatments. (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is reported to exert neuroprotective roles in the nervous systems. However, the function of EGCG in treating dorsal root injury remains unclear. Hence, we built the dorsal root crush injury (DRCI) rat model to be treated with EGCG, followed by the western blot, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and sensory behavior tests. We observed that EGCG can upregulate the Lysine acetyltransferase 6A (KAT6A) level and inhibit the pyroptosis, indicated by downregulated gasdermin-D, caspase-1, and interleukin 18 protein levels, and alleviate the neuropathic pain, indicated by the decreased paw withdraw threshold in Plantar test and decreased paw withdraw latency in von Frey test, and downregulated calcitonin gene-related peptide, nerve growth factor, and c-Fos protein levels. But EGCG cannot alleviate the neuropathic pain when the KAT6A was inhibited by CTX-0124143 and pyroptosis was activated by Miltirone. These combined results indicated that EGCG can promote the sensory function recovery in rats after DRCI via upregulating KAT6A and inhibiting pyroptosis, laying the foundation for EGCG to be a novel candidate for the treatment of dorsal root injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Zuer Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Yichun Hu
- School of Basic Medicine, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Fuyu Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Xiangyue Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Yaqi Tang
- School of Basic Medicine, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Shujuan Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Yinjuan Tang
- School of Basic Medicine, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
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