Abstract

BACKGROUND
The lymphatic system plays a key role in tissue fluid homeostasis and lymphatic dysfunction caused by genetic defects, or lymphatic vessel obstruction can cause lymphedema, disfiguring tissue swelling often associated with fibrosis and recurrent infections with no available cures to date. In this study, retinoic acids (RAs) were determined to be a potent therapeutic agent that is immediately applicable to reduce secondary lymphedema.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We report that RAs promote proliferation, migration, and tube formation of cultured lymphatic endothelial cells by activating fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling. Moreover, RAs control the expression of cell-cycle checkpoint regulators such as p27(Kip1), p57(Kip2), and the aurora kinases through both an Akt-mediated nongenomic action and a transcription-dependent genomic action that is mediated by Prox1, a master regulator of lymphatic development. Moreover, 9-cisRA was found to activate in vivo lymphangiogenesis in animals in mouse trachea, Matrigel plug, and cornea pocket assays. Finally, we demonstrate that 9-cisRA can provide a strong therapeutic efficacy in ameliorating experimental mouse tail lymphedema by enhancing lymphatic vessel regeneration.
CONCLUSION
These in vitro and animal studies demonstrate that 9-cisRA potently activates lymphangiogenesis and promotes lymphatic regeneration in an experimental lymphedema model, presenting it as a promising novel therapeutic agent to treat human lymphedema patients.

Links

Publisher Full Text

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Authors

Choi I, Lee S, Kyoung Chung H, Suk Lee Y, Eui Kim K, Choi D, Park EK, Yang D, Ecoiffier T, Monahan J, Chen W, Aguilar B, Lee HN, Yoo J, Koh CJ, Chen L, Wong AK, Hong YK

Institution

Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1450 Biggy St, NRT6501, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.

Source

Circulation 125:7 2012 Feb 21 pg 872-82

MeSH

Animals
Cell Movement
Cell Proliferation
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p57
Endothelial Cells
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Lymphangiogenesis
Lymphatic Vessels
Lymphedema
Mice
Mice, Inbred BALB C
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Promoter Regions, Genetic
Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases
Regeneration
Tretinoin

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22275501