Abstract
The heart contains a complex network of blood and lymphatic vessels. The coronary blood vessels provide the cardiac tissue with oxygen and nutrients and have been the major focus of research for the past few decades. Cardiac lymphatic vessels, which consist of lymphatic capillaries and collecting lymphatic vessels covering all layers of the heart, transport excess fluid from the interstitium and play important roles in maintaining tissue fluid balance. Unlike for the coronary blood vessels, until a few years ago, not much information was available on the origin and function of the cardiac-associated lymphatic vasculature. A growing body of evidence indicates that cardiac lymphatic vessels (lymphatics) may serve as a therapeutic cardiovascular target.
Highlights
Over the past few decades, the molecular characterization of the lymphatic vasculature, as well as a better understanding of its functional roles in pathophysiological conditions, has greatly improved[1,2]
More recent findings argue that the lymphatic vasculature might be functionally important in myocardial infarction (MI)[5,6], congestive heart failure[7], obesity[8,9], atherosclerosis[10,11,12], and cardiac transplantation[13]
A recent article described that basal meningeal lymphatic vessels located in the lateral/basal part of the skull function as the main route for CSF17
Summary
Over the past few decades, the molecular characterization of the lymphatic vasculature, as well as a better understanding of its functional roles in pathophysiological conditions, has greatly improved[1,2]. To further elucidate the mechanism by which VEGF-C-induced lymphangiogenesis improves cardiac function after MI, in a follow-up study, the authors documented a significant influx of circulating monocytes and activated macrophages that undertake extensive phagocytic activity in the infarcted region after MI; these immune cells in the injured heart are dependent on lymphatic vessels to circulate back to the lymph nodes[37]. Overexpression of apelin in ischemic hearts is sufficient to restore a functional lymphatic vasculature and reduce matrix remodeling and inflammation[46] Taken together, these studies documented that increased lymphangiogenesis improves heart function after cardiac injuries. Abbreviations AM, adrenomedullin; LEC, lymphatic endothelial cell; LYVE1, lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1; MI, myocardial infarction; RCT, reverse cholesterol transport; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; VEGFR, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
