Sung Cynthia J, Gupta Kshitij, Wang Jin, Wong Alex K
Division of Plastic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Bioengineering (Basel). 2022 Apr 6;9(4):162. doi: 10.3390/bioengineering9040162.
Lymphedema is characterized by progressive and chronic tissue swelling and inflammation from local accumulation of interstitial fluid due to lymphatic injury or dysfunction. It is a debilitating condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life, and has limited treatment options. With better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiology of lymphedema and advances in tissue engineering technologies, lymphatic tissue bioengineering and regeneration have emerged as a potential therapeutic option for postsurgical lymphedema. Various strategies involving stem cells, lymphangiogenic factors, bioengineered matrices and mechanical stimuli allow more precisely controlled regeneration of lymphatic tissue at the site of lymphedema without subjecting patients to complications or iatrogenic injuries associated with surgeries. This review provides an overview of current innovative approaches of lymphatic tissue bioengineering that represent a promising treatment option for postsurgical lymphedema.
淋巴水肿的特征是由于淋巴损伤或功能障碍导致间质液局部积聚，从而引起进行性和慢性组织肿胀及炎症。这是一种使人衰弱的病症，严重影响患者的生活质量，且治疗选择有限。随着对淋巴水肿分子机制和病理生理学的深入了解以及组织工程技术的进步，淋巴组织生物工程和再生已成为术后淋巴水肿的一种潜在治疗选择。涉及干细胞、淋巴管生成因子、生物工程基质和机械刺激的各种策略能够在淋巴水肿部位更精确地控制淋巴组织的再生，而不会使患者遭受与手术相关的并发症或医源性损伤。本综述概述了当前淋巴组织生物工程的创新方法，这些方法代表了术后淋巴水肿一种有前景的治疗选择。
