This work provides a foundation for understanding a biological mechanism causal for hereditary lymphedema and crucial for the normal development of lymph vessels. Lymphedema affects as many as 175 million people worldwide. Hereditary lymphedema arises spontaneously in individuals who have the genetic mutation. Secondary lymphedema may result from infection, injury or common surgical procedures such as those for cancer in which lymph nodes are removed. Lymphedema can lead to infection, pain, severe disability or sometimes cancer.
Current treatments involve applying pressure to drain the lymph fluid.
An intricate series of fine tubes and nodes stretching throughout the body, the lymph system performs the mundane but critical task of mopping up excess fluid as well as molecules and cells that stray from nearby blood vessels. As with other organs, development of the lymph system is tightly regulated. We know that 25 percent of women with breast cancer who undergo mastectomy and lymph node removal will develop lymphedema in their arm. The ultimate goal is to develop a rational therapy to prevent lymphedema after surgery or injury. The University of Pittsburgh scientists suspect that other genes are likely to be involved in lymphedema.