Work

A Lymphatic Perspective on Obesity and Inflammatory Arthritis: New Disease-Modifying Potential in Rheumatology

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Recent studies show that obesity significantly increases disease severity and progression in several forms of inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and gout. Obesity increases the risk for developing inflammatory arthritis. Similarly, obesity negatively impacts disease severity and treatment outcomes. The underlying mechanisms driving these relationships are not fully understood. One emerging area of investigation is the role of the lymphatic vasculature. Obesity profoundly impacts lymphatic function. Excess adipose tissue can compress and disrupt lymphatic vessels, leading to impaired flow and drainage. Additionally, obesity-associated inflammation and metabolic dysregulation have been linked to lymphatic endothelial cell dysfunction, further compromising transport and immunoregulatory capacities. This impairment fosters an environment for the accumulation of inflammatory cells and mediators, sustaining chronic inflammation. In this review, we will provide new perspectives on the detrimental triangle of obesity, lymphatic dysfunction, and inflammation in chronic inflammatory arthritis and find new starting points for therapeutics.

Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.3390/jcm14217641

Authors: Hannah den Braanker, Eline S. van der Valk, Radjesh J. Bisoendial

Institutions: Maasstad Ziekenhuis, Utrecht University, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Utrecht

Language: English

Topic: Lymphatic System and Diseases

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137