1
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Christ C, Ocskay Z, Kovács G, Jakus Z. Characterization of Atherosclerotic Mice Reveals a Sex-Dependent Susceptibility to Plaque Calcification but No Major Changes in the Lymphatics in the Arterial Wall. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4046. [PMID: 38612867 PMCID: PMC11012298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphatics participate in reverse cholesterol transport, and their presence in the arterial wall of the great vessels and prior experimental results suggest their possible role in the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the lymphatic vasculature of the arterial wall in atherosclerosis. Tissue sections and tissue-cleared aortas of wild-type mice unveiled significant differences in the density of the arterial lymphatic network throughout the arterial tree. Male and female Ldlr-/- and ApoE-/- mice on a Western diet showed sex-dependent differences in plaque formation and calcification. Female mice on a Western diet developed more calcification of atherosclerotic plaques than males. The lymphatic vessels within the aortic wall of these mice showed no major changes regarding the number of lymphatic junctions and end points or the lymphatic area. However, female mice on a Western diet showed moderate dilation of lymphatic vessels in the abdominal aorta and exhibited indications of increased peripheral lymphatic function, findings that require further studies to understand the role of lymphatics in the arterial wall during the development of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zoltán Jakus
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, 1094 Budapest, Hungary; (C.C.); (Z.O.); (G.K.)
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2
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Thorup L, Hjortdal A, Boedtkjer DB, Thomsen MB, Hjortdal V. The transport function of the human lymphatic system-A systematic review. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15697. [PMID: 37269161 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological properties and function of the lymphatic system is still somewhat of a mystery. We report the current knowledge about human lymphatic vessel contractility and capability of adaptation. A literature search in PubMed identified studies published January 2000-September 2022. Inclusion criteria were studies investigating parameters related to contraction frequency, fluid velocity, and lymphatic pressure in vivo and ex vivo in human lymphatic vessels. The search returned 2885 papers of which 28 met the inclusion criteria. In vivo vessels revealed baseline contraction frequencies between 0.2 ± 0.2 and 1.8 ± 0.1 min1 , velocities between 0.008 ± 0.002 and 2.3 ± 0.3 cm/s, and pressures between 4.5 (range 0.5-9.2) and 60.3 ± 2.8 mm Hg. Gravitational forces, hyperthermia, and treatment with nifedipine caused increases in contraction frequency. Ex vivo lymphatic vessels displayed contraction frequencies between 1.2 ± 0.1 and 5.5 ± 1.2 min-1 . Exposure to agents affecting cation and anion channels, adrenoceptors, HCN channels, and changes in diameter-tension properties all resulted in changes in functional parameters as known from the blood vascular system. We find that the lymphatic system is dynamic and adaptable. Different investigative methods yields alternating results. Systematic approaches, consensus on investigative methods, and larger studies are needed to fully understand lymphatic transport and apply this in a clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Thorup
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Hjortdal
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Donna B Boedtkjer
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Morten B Thomsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Hjortdal
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Michalaki E, Rudd JM, Liebman L, Wadhwani R, Wood LB, Willett NJ, Dixon JB. Lentiviral overexpression of VEGFC in transplanted MSCs leads to resolution of swelling in a mouse tail lymphedema model. Microcirculation 2023; 30:e12792. [PMID: 36369987 PMCID: PMC10680019 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysfunction of the lymphatic system following injury, disease, or cancer treatment can lead to lymphedema, a debilitating condition with no cure. Despite the various physical therapy and surgical options available, most treatments are palliative and fail to address the underlying lymphatic vascular insufficiency driving lymphedema progression. Stem cell therapy provides a promising alternative in the treatment of various chronic diseases with a wide range of therapeutic effects that reduce inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress, while promoting lymphatic vessel (LV) regeneration. Specifically, stem cell transplantation is suggested to promote LV restoration, rebuild lymphatic circulation, and thus potentially be utilized towards an effective lymphedema treatment. In addition to stem cells, studies have proposed the administration of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) to promote lymphangiogenesis and decrease swelling in lymphedema. AIMS Here, we seek to combine the benefits of stem cell therapy, which provides a cellular therapeutic approach that can respond to the tissue environment, and VEGFC administration to restore lymphatic drainage. MATERIALS & METHODS Specifically, we engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to overexpress VEGFC using a lentiviral vector (hVEGFC MSC) and investigated their therapeutic efficacy in improving LV function and tissue swelling using near infrared (NIR) imaging, and lymphatic regeneration in a single LV ligation mouse tail lymphedema model. RESULTS First, we showed that overexpression of VEGFC using lentiviral transduction led to an increase in VEGFC protein synthesis in vitro. Then, we demonstrated hVEGFC MSC administration post-injury significantly increased the lymphatic contraction frequency 14-, 21-, and 28-days post-surgery compared to the control animals (MSC administration) in vivo, while also reducing tail swelling 28-days post-surgery compared to controls. CONCLUSION Our results suggest a therapeutic potential of hVEGFC MSC in alleviating the lymphatic dysfunction observed during lymphedema progression after secondary injury and could provide a promising approach to enhancing autologous cell therapy for treating lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria Michalaki
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Josephine M Rudd
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lauren Liebman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rahul Wadhwani
- Neuroscience Department, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Levi B Wood
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nick J Willett
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- The Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - J Brandon Dixon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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4
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Shankar N, Thapa S, Shrestha AK, Sarkar P, Gaber MW, Barrios R, Shivanna B. Hyperoxia Disrupts Lung Lymphatic Homeostasis in Neonatal Mice. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:620. [PMID: 36978868 PMCID: PMC10045755 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation causes bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a common lung disease of preterm infants. One reason this disease lacks specific therapies is the paucity of information on the mechanisms regulating inflammation in developing lungs. We address this gap by characterizing the lymphatic phenotype in an experimental BPD model because lymphatics are major regulators of immune homeostasis. We hypothesized that hyperoxia (HO), a major risk factor for experimental and human BPD, disrupts lymphatic endothelial homeostasis using neonatal mice and human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLECs). Exposure to 70% O2 for 24-72 h decreased the expression of prospero homeobox 1 (Prox1) and vascular endothelial growth factor c (Vegf-c) and increased the expression of heme oxygenase 1 and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone]1 in HDLECs, and reduced their tubule formation ability. Next, we determined Prox1 and Vegf-c mRNA levels on postnatal days (P) 7 and 14 in neonatal murine lungs. The mRNA levels of these genes increased from P7 to P14, and 70% O2 exposure for 14 d (HO) attenuated this physiological increase in pro-lymphatic factors. Further, HO exposure decreased VEGFR3+ and podoplanin+ lymphatic vessel density and lymphatic function in neonatal murine lungs. Collectively, our results validate the hypothesis that HO disrupts lymphatic endothelial homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithyapriya Shankar
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shyam Thapa
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Amrit Kumar Shrestha
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Poonam Sarkar
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - M. Waleed Gaber
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Roberto Barrios
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Binoy Shivanna
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
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5
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Meng X, Li H, Chen Y, Sai L, Feng S, Li K, Xi W, Li Y, Thanh NTK, Wang Y, Wo Y, Yang X, Hao Y, Zhang Y, Chen J, Feng S. In Vivo Precision Evaluation of Lymphatic Function by SWIR Luminescence Imaging with PbS Quantum Dots. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2023; 10:e2206579. [PMID: 36587979 PMCID: PMC9982568 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in lymphography technology are essential for comprehensive investigation of the lymphatic system and its function. Here, a shortwave infrared (SWIR) luminescence imaging of lymphatic vessels is proposed in both normal and lymphatic dysfunction in rat models with PbS quantum dots (PbS Qdots). The lymphography with PbS Qdots can clearly and rapidly demonstrate the normal lymphatic morphology in both the tail and hind limb. More importantly, compared to ICG, SWIR luminescence imaging with PbS Qdots can easily identify the dominant lymphatic vessel and node with higher luminescence signal in rats. Moreover, lymphatic pump is identified as segment contracting sections with a size of ≈1 cm in rat by in vivo SWIR lymphograhy, which propose a direct feature for precise evaluation of lymphatic function. Notably, in vivo SWIR luminescence imaging with PbS Qdots also clearly deciphers the in vivo pattern of morphological and function recovery from lymphatic system in rat model. In summary, SWIR luminescence imaging with PbS Qdots can improve the lymphography and thus deepen the understanding of the morphology and structure of the lymphatic system as well as lymphatic function such as lymphatic pump, which will facilitate the diagnosis of lymphatic dysfunction in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxian Meng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong University639 Zhizaoju Rd.Shanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Huizhu Li
- Sports Medicine Institute of Fudan UniversityDepartment of Sports MedicineHuashan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200040P. R. China
| | - Yuzhou Chen
- Sports Medicine Institute of Fudan UniversityDepartment of Sports MedicineHuashan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200040P. R. China
| | - Liman Sai
- Department of PhysicsShanghai Normal UniversityGuilin Road 100Shanghai200234P. R. China
| | - Sijia Feng
- Sports Medicine Institute of Fudan UniversityDepartment of Sports MedicineHuashan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200040P. R. China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong University639 Zhizaoju Rd.Shanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Wenjing Xi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong University639 Zhizaoju Rd.Shanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Yunxia Li
- Sports Medicine Institute of Fudan UniversityDepartment of Sports MedicineHuashan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200040P. R. China
| | - Nguyen T. K. Thanh
- Biophysics GroupDepartment of Physics and AstronomyUniversity College LondonGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
- UCL Healthcare Biomagnetic and Nanomaterials Laboratories21 Albemarle StreetLondonW1S 4BSUK
| | - Yueming Wang
- Department of Anatomy and PhysiologySchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200025P. R. China
| | - Yan Wo
- Department of Anatomy and PhysiologySchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200025P. R. China
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of orthopedicsAffiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhou215500P. R. China
| | - Yuefeng Hao
- Department of orthopedicsAffiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhou215500P. R. China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong University639 Zhizaoju Rd.Shanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Jun Chen
- Sports Medicine Institute of Fudan UniversityDepartment of Sports MedicineHuashan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200040P. R. China
| | - Shaoqing Feng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong University639 Zhizaoju Rd.Shanghai200011P. R. China
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6
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Lee Y, Zawieja SD, Muthuchamy M. Lymphatic Collecting Vessel: New Perspectives on Mechanisms of Contractile Regulation and Potential Lymphatic Contractile Pathways to Target in Obesity and Metabolic Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:848088. [PMID: 35355722 PMCID: PMC8959455 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.848088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and metabolic syndrome pose a significant risk for developing cardiovascular disease and remain a critical healthcare challenge. Given the lymphatic system's role as a nexus for lipid absorption, immune cell trafficking, interstitial fluid and macromolecule homeostasis maintenance, the impact of obesity and metabolic disease on lymphatic function is a burgeoning field in lymphatic research. Work over the past decade has progressed from the association of an obese phenotype with Prox1 haploinsufficiency and the identification of obesity as a risk factor for lymphedema to consistent findings of lymphatic collecting vessel dysfunction across multiple metabolic disease models and organisms and characterization of obesity-induced lymphedema in the morbidly obese. Critically, recent findings have suggested that restoration of lymphatic function can also ameliorate obesity and insulin resistance, positing lymphatic targeted therapies as relevant pharmacological interventions. There remain, however, significant gaps in our understanding of lymphatic collecting vessel function, particularly the mechanisms that regulate the spontaneous contractile activity required for active lymph propulsion and lymph return in humans. In this article, we will review the current findings on lymphatic architecture and collecting vessel function, including recent advances in the ionic basis of lymphatic muscle contractile activity. We will then discuss lymphatic dysfunction observed with metabolic disruption and potential pathways to target with pharmacological approaches to improve lymphatic collecting vessel function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lee
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Scott D Zawieja
- Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Mariappan Muthuchamy
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States
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7
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Bálint L, Jakus Z. Mechanosensation and Mechanotransduction by Lymphatic Endothelial Cells Act as Important Regulators of Lymphatic Development and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3955. [PMID: 33921229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the function and development of the lymphatic system is expanding rapidly due to the identification of specific molecular markers and the availability of novel genetic approaches. In connection, it has been demonstrated that mechanical forces contribute to the endothelial cell fate commitment and play a critical role in influencing lymphatic endothelial cell shape and alignment by promoting sprouting, development, maturation of the lymphatic network, and coordinating lymphatic valve morphogenesis and the stabilization of lymphatic valves. However, the mechanosignaling and mechanotransduction pathways involved in these processes are poorly understood. Here, we provide an overview of the impact of mechanical forces on lymphatics and summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the mechanosensation and mechanotransduction by lymphatic endothelial cells. We also discuss how these mechanosensitive pathways affect endothelial cell fate and regulate lymphatic development and function. A better understanding of these mechanisms may provide a deeper insight into the pathophysiology of various diseases associated with impaired lymphatic function, such as lymphedema and may eventually lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for these conditions.
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8
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Oliver G, Kipnis J, Randolph GJ, Harvey NL. The Lymphatic Vasculature in the 21 st Century: Novel Functional Roles in Homeostasis and Disease. Cell 2020; 182:270-296. [PMID: 32707093 PMCID: PMC7392116 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.06.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammals have two specialized vascular circulatory systems: the blood vasculature and the lymphatic vasculature. The lymphatic vasculature is a unidirectional conduit that returns filtered interstitial arterial fluid and tissue metabolites to the blood circulation. It also plays major roles in immune cell trafficking and lipid absorption. As we discuss in this review, the molecular characterization of lymphatic vascular development and our understanding of this vasculature's role in pathophysiological conditions has greatly improved in recent years, changing conventional views about the roles of the lymphatic vasculature in health and disease. Morphological or functional defects in the lymphatic vasculature have now been uncovered in several pathological conditions. We propose that subtle asymptomatic alterations in lymphatic vascular function could underlie the variability seen in the body's response to a wide range of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Oliver
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Jonathan Kipnis
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Gwendalyn J Randolph
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Natasha L Harvey
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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9
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Milasan A, Farhat M, Martel C. Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Prognostic Markers of Lymphatic Dysfunction. Front Physiol 2020; 11:476. [PMID: 32523544 PMCID: PMC7261898 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant efforts made to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD), more than half of cardiovascular events still occur in asymptomatic subjects devoid of traditional risk factors. These observations underscore the need for the identification of new biomarkers for the prevention of atherosclerosis, the main underlying cause of CVD. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and lymphatic vessel function are emerging targets in this context. EVs are small vesicles released by cells upon activation or death that are present in several biological tissues and fluids, including blood and lymph. They interact with surrounding cells to transfer their cargo, and the complexity of their biological content makes these EVs potential key players in several chronic inflammatory settings. Many studies focused on the interaction of EVs with the most well-known players of atherosclerosis such as the vascular endothelium, smooth muscle cells and monocytes. However, the fate of EVs within the lymphatic network, a crucial route in the mobilization of cholesterol out the artery wall, is not known. In this review, we aim to bring forward evidence that EVs could be at the interplay between lymphatic function and atherosclerosis by summarizing the recent findings on the characterization of EVs in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Milasan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Maya Farhat
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Martel
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
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10
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Abstract
The lymphatic system has many functions, including macromolecules transport, fat absorption, regulation and modulation of adaptive immune responses, clearance of inflammatory cytokines, and cholesterol metabolism. Thus, it is evident that lymphatic function can play a key role in the regulation of a wide array of biologic phenomenon, and that physiologic changes that alter lymphatic function may have profound pathologic effects. Recent studies have shown that obesity can markedly impair lymphatic function. Obesity-induced pathologic changes in the lymphatic system result, at least in part, from the accumulation of inflammatory cells around lymphatic vessel leading to impaired lymphatic collecting vessel pumping capacity, leaky initial and collecting lymphatics, alterations in lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) gene expression, and degradation of junctional proteins. These changes are important since impaired lymphatic function in obesity may contribute to the pathology of obesity in other organ systems in a feed-forward manner by increasing low-grade tissue inflammation and the accumulation of inflammatory cytokines. More importantly, recent studies have suggested that interventions that inhibit inflammatory responses, either pharmacologically or by lifestyle modifications such as aerobic exercise and weight loss, improve lymphatic function and metabolic parameters in obese mice. The purpose of this review is to summarize the pathologic effects of obesity on the lymphatic system, the cellular mechanisms that regulate these responses, the effects of impaired lymphatic function on metabolic syndrome in obesity, and the interventions that may improve lymphatic function in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu P Kataru
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hyeong Ju Park
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jung Eun Baik
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Claire Li
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jinyeon Shin
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Babak J Mehrara
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
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11
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Bálint L, Ocskay Z, Deák BA, Aradi P, Jakus Z. Lymph Flow Induces the Postnatal Formation of Mature and Functional Meningeal Lymphatic Vessels. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3043. [PMID: 31993056 PMCID: PMC6970982 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the presence of lymphatics has been demonstrated and characterized in the dura mater, which is in contrast to the well-accepted view indicating the lack of a classical lymphatic drainage system of the central nervous system (CNS). Moreover, the role of meningeal lymphatics in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis was suggested. However, the possible regulators of the developmental program and function of meningeal lymphatics remain unclear. Here, we aimed at characterizing the lymph flow dependence of the developmental program and function of the meningeal lymphatics. First, we demonstrated that lymphatics present in the dura mater are involved in the uptake and transport of macromolecules from the CNS. Meningeal lymphatics develop during the postnatal period which process involves the maturation of the vessels. The formation of mature meningeal lymphatics coincides with the increase of the drainage of macromolecules from the CNS to the deep cervical lymph nodes. Importantly, the structural remodeling and maturation of meningeal lymphatics is impaired in Plcγ2−/− mice with reduced lymph flow. Furthermore, macromolecule uptake and transport by the meningeal lymphatics are also affected in Plcγ2−/− mice. Collectively, lymph flow-induced mechanical forces are required for the postnatal formation of mature and functional meningeal lymphatic vessels. Defining lymph flow-dependence of the development and function of meningeal lymphatics may lead to better understanding of the pathogenesis of neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Bálint
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE "Lendület" Lymphatic Physiology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsombor Ocskay
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE "Lendület" Lymphatic Physiology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint András Deák
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE "Lendület" Lymphatic Physiology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petra Aradi
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE "Lendület" Lymphatic Physiology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Jakus
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE "Lendület" Lymphatic Physiology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia D'Alessio
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IBD Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Carlotta Tacconi
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IBD Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Silvio Danese
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IBD Center, Rozzano, Italy
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13
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Chakraborty S, Zawieja SD, Wang W, Lee Y, Wang YJ, von der Weid PY, Zawieja DC, Muthuchamy M. Lipopolysaccharide modulates neutrophil recruitment and macrophage polarization on lymphatic vessels and impairs lymphatic function in rat mesentery. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2015; 309:H2042-57. [PMID: 26453331 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00467.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Impairment of the lymphatic system is apparent in multiple inflammatory pathologies connected to elevated endotoxins such as LPS. However, the direct mechanisms by which LPS influences the lymphatic contractility are not well understood. We hypothesized that a dynamic modulation of innate immune cell populations in mesentery under inflammatory conditions perturbs tissue cytokine/chemokine homeostasis and subsequently influences lymphatic function. We used rats that were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (10 mg/kg) to determine the changes in the profiles of innate immune cells in the mesentery and in the stretch-mediated contractile responses of isolated lymphatic preparations. Results demonstrated a reduction in the phasic contractile activity of mesenteric lymphatic vessels from LPS-injected rats and a severe impairment of lymphatic pump function and flow. There was a significant reduction in the number of neutrophils and an increase in monocytes/macrophages present on the lymphatic vessels and in the clear mesentery of the LPS group. This population of monocytes and macrophages established a robust M2 phenotype, with the majority showing high expression of CD163 and CD206. Several cytokines and chemoattractants for neutrophils and macrophages were significantly changed in the mesentery of LPS-injected rats. Treatment of lymphatic muscle cells (LMCs) with LPS showed significant changes in the expression of adhesion molecules, VCAM1, ICAM1, CXCR2, and galectin-9. LPS-TLR4-mediated regulation of pAKT, pERK pI-κB, and pMLC20 in LMCs promoted both contractile and inflammatory pathways. Thus, our data provide the first evidence connecting the dynamic changes in innate immune cells on or near the lymphatics and complex cytokine milieu during inflammation with lymphatic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Lymphatic Biology, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, Texas; and
| | - Scott D Zawieja
- Department of Medical Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Lymphatic Biology, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, Texas; and
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Lymphatic Biology, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, Texas; and
| | - Yang Lee
- Department of Medical Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Lymphatic Biology, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, Texas; and
| | - Yuan J Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Inflammation Research Network, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pierre-Yves von der Weid
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Inflammation Research Network, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David C Zawieja
- Department of Medical Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Lymphatic Biology, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, Texas; and
| | - Mariappan Muthuchamy
- Department of Medical Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Lymphatic Biology, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, Texas; and
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14
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Ghanta S, Cuzzone DA, Torrisi JS, Albano NJ, Joseph WJ, Savetsky IL, Gardenier JC, Chang D, Zampell JC, Mehrara BJ. Regulation of inflammation and fibrosis by macrophages in lymphedema. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2015; 308:H1065-77. [PMID: 25724493 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00598.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Lymphedema, a common complication of cancer treatment, is characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and adipose deposition. We have previously shown that macrophage infiltration is increased in mouse models of lymphedema. Because macrophages are regulators of lymphangiogenesis and fibrosis, this study aimed to determine the role of these cells in lymphedema using depletion experiments. Matched biopsy specimens of normal and lymphedema tissues were obtained from patients with unilateral upper extremity breast cancer-related lymphedema, and macrophage accumulation was assessed using immunohistochemistry. In addition, we used a mouse tail model of lymphedema to quantify macrophage accumulation and analyze outcomes of conditional macrophage depletion. Histological analysis of clinical lymphedema biopsies revealed significantly increased macrophage infiltration. Similarly, in the mouse tail model, lymphatic injury increased the number of macrophages and favored M2 differentiation. Chronic macrophage depletion using lethally irradiated wild-type mice reconstituted with CD11b-diphtheria toxin receptor mouse bone marrow did not decrease swelling, adipose deposition, or overall inflammation. Macrophage depletion after lymphedema had become established significantly increased fibrosis and accumulation of CD4(+) cells and promoted Th2 differentiation while decreasing lymphatic transport capacity and VEGF-C expression. Our findings suggest that macrophages home to lymphedematous tissues and differentiate into the M2 phenotype. In addition, our findings suggest that macrophages have an antifibrotic role in lymphedema and either directly or indirectly regulate CD4(+) cell accumulation and Th2 differentiation. Finally, our findings suggest that lymphedema-associated macrophages are a major source of VEGF-C and that impaired macrophage responses after lymphatic injury result in decreased lymphatic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapna Ghanta
- The Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Daniel A Cuzzone
- The Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jeremy S Torrisi
- The Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nicholas J Albano
- The Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Walter J Joseph
- The Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ira L Savetsky
- The Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jason C Gardenier
- The Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David Chang
- The Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jamie C Zampell
- The Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Babak J Mehrara
- The Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York;
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15
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Weiler M, Dixon JB. Differential transport function of lymphatic vessels in the rat tail model and the long-term effects of Indocyanine Green as assessed with near-infrared imaging. Front Physiol 2013; 4:215. [PMID: 23966950 PMCID: PMC3744037 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Near-infrared (NIR) imaging has emerged as a novel imaging modality for assessing lymphatic function in vivo. While the technique has provided quantitative data previously unavailable, questions remain in regards to the spatiotemporal capabilities of the approach. We address three of the more important issues here using the rodent tail, one of the most widely utilized in vivo model systems in the lymphatic literature. Specifically we demonstrate (1) the transient vs. steady state response of lymphatics to tracer injection, (2) the functional characteristics of multiple collecting vessels draining the same tissue space in parallel, and (3) the long-term consequences of fluorescent tracers on lymphatic function to repeated functional measurements. Methods: Rat tails were imaged with NIR and metrics of function were calculated for both collecting vessels that drain the tail. A nitric oxide donor cream (GTNO) was applied to the tail. Additionally, two different NIR dyes, indocyanine green (ICG) and LI-COR IRDye 800CW PEG, were utilized for function imaging at the time of initial injection and at 1, 2, and 4 week follow-up time points after which both draining lymph nodes were harvested. Results and Discussion: Significant differences were found between the two collecting vessels such that the vessel first showing fluorescence (dominant) produced enhanced functional metrics compared to the second vessel (non-dominant). GTNO significantly reduced lymphatic function in the non-dominant vessel compared to the dominant. ICG remained visible in the tail for 2 weeks after injection and was accompanied by significant losses in lymphatic function and enlarged draining lymph nodes. The Licor tracer also remained visible for 2 weeks. However, the dye produced significantly lower effects on lymphatic function than ICG, and lymph nodes were not enlarged at any time point, suggesting that this may be a more appropriate contrast agent for longitudinal lymphatic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weiler
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA, USA
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