Abstract
The nearly inevitable advent of subcutaneous adipose hypertrophy is a hallmark of chronic lymphedema 1-4 . This vexing feature of chronic lymphatic vascular insufficiency reflects a complex biology that is still poorly understood.
In the current issue of
Utilizing this approach, the authors observed progressive upregulation in the gene expression related to inflammation that preceded adipocyte maturation. In iNOS knockout subjects, or with dexamethasone treatment to limit the inflammatory response, there was inhibition of adipocyte hypertrophy.
Increasingly, we have come to understand that lymphedema is an inflammatory pathological condition. This investigation underscores the complexity of the relationship between inflammation and the characteristic adipose hypertrophy of lymphedema. The authors have identified potential targets for future investigation and, potentially, for therapeutic intervention.