Pathological analysis of the lymphatic vessels and the surrounding tissues in lymphedema patients and developement of the treatment

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K23011
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0906:Surgery related to the biological and sensory functions and related fields
• Research Institution: Aichi Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Hara Hisako 愛知医科大学, 公私立大学の部局等, 客員研究員 (50624243)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-09-11 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: リンパ浮腫 / リンパ管エコー / podoplanin染色 / LYVE-1染色

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Currently, there are about 200,000 lymphedema patients in Japan. The pathology of lymphedema is often unknown, and it is essential to elucidate the pathophysiology for the development of therapeutic and preventive methods. We harvested lymphatic vessels from the lower limbs or genital area during LVA surgery at JR Tokyo General Hospital and performed LYVE-1 staining, podoplanin staining, etc. at the Department of Anatomy, Aichi Medical University. We investigated the differences in lymphatic findings depending on the site. At the same time, we examined the effects of lymphatic ultrasound and detailed ICG lymphography.

Free Research Field

形成外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

リンパ浮腫の患肢における集合リンパ管は、形態学的に正常リンパ管と異なる所見を呈することがわかった。患肢の部位、罹患期間、患者の年齢などに伴い、リンパ管の形状は異なる可能性があり、今後、リンパ浮腫患肢におけるリンパ管の変化を解明することで、リンパ浮腫の治療をより適切に選択できるようになる可能性がある。