TY - JOUR
T1 - The Intestinal Lymphatic System
T2 - Functions and Metabolic Implications
AU - Cifarelli, Vincenza
AU - Eichmann, Anne
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 The Authors
PY - 2019
Y1 - 2019
N2 - The lymphatic system of the gut plays important roles in the transport of dietary lipids, as well as in immunosurveillance and removal of interstitial fluid. Historically, despite its crucial functions in intestinal homeostasis, the lymphatic system has been poorly studied. In the last 2 decades, identification of specific molecular mediators of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) growth together with novel genetic approaches and intravital imaging techniques, have advanced our understanding of the mechanisms regulating intestinal lymphatic physiology in health and disease. As its metabolic implications are gaining recognition, intestinal lymphatic biology is currently experiencing a surge in interest. This review describes current knowledge related to molecular control of intestinal lymphatic vessel structure and function. We discuss regulation of chylomicron entry into lymphatic vessels by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), hormones, transcription factors and the specific signaling pathways involved. The information covered supports the emerging role of intestinal lymphatics in etiology of the metabolic syndrome and their potential as a therapeutic target.
AB - The lymphatic system of the gut plays important roles in the transport of dietary lipids, as well as in immunosurveillance and removal of interstitial fluid. Historically, despite its crucial functions in intestinal homeostasis, the lymphatic system has been poorly studied. In the last 2 decades, identification of specific molecular mediators of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) growth together with novel genetic approaches and intravital imaging techniques, have advanced our understanding of the mechanisms regulating intestinal lymphatic physiology in health and disease. As its metabolic implications are gaining recognition, intestinal lymphatic biology is currently experiencing a surge in interest. This review describes current knowledge related to molecular control of intestinal lymphatic vessel structure and function. We discuss regulation of chylomicron entry into lymphatic vessels by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), hormones, transcription factors and the specific signaling pathways involved. The information covered supports the emerging role of intestinal lymphatics in etiology of the metabolic syndrome and their potential as a therapeutic target.
KW - Endothelium
KW - Lacteals
KW - Lipid
KW - Obesity
KW - VEGF Signaling
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85062157261&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.12.002
DO - 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.12.002
M3 - Review article
C2 - 30557701
AN - SCOPUS:85062157261
SN - 2352-345X
VL - 7
SP - 503
EP - 513
JO - CMGH
JF - CMGH
IS - 3
ER -