Characterization of Immune Cell Infiltration and Collagen Type III Disorganization in Human Secondary Lymphedema: A Case-control Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Secondary lymphedema (SL) affects 120 million people globally, posing a lifelong burden for up to 37% of cancer survivors. Chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis are key drivers of SL, yet detailed characterization of immune cell subpopulations across lymphedema stages is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the immunologic profile of lymphedematous skin and its association with extracellular matrix changes, which could serve as clinical biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

Methods

This case-control study analyzed the skin from 36 patients with and without SL, using immunofluorescence to quantify T cells, B cells, macrophages, and their subpopulations. Collagen quantity and composition were examined using picrosirius red staining, and mast cell infiltrati

SUBMITTER: Sporlein A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11191027 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature