Das alte(rnde) Lymphgefäßsystem

Zusammenfassung

Das lymphatische System ist für die Aufrechterhaltung des Flüssigkeitshaushaltes, die Immunüberwachung und die Lipidabsorption unerlässlich. Das Altern führt jedoch zu einer fortschreitenden Abnahme seiner strukturellen Integrität und funktionellen Effizienz, ein Phänomen, das als lymphatische Seneszenz bekannt ist. Diese Übersichtsarbeit untersucht die Mechanismen, die diesem Rückgang zugrunde liegen, einschließlich endothelialer Dysfunktion, beeinträchtigter Kontraktilität der lymphatischen glatten Muskelzellen und chronischer Entzündungen, die gemeinsam zu einer verminderten Immunfunktion, einer ineffizienten Abfallbeseitigung und einer erhöhten Anfälligkeit für altersbedingte Krankheiten wie Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen, Lymphödeme und Krebsmetastasen beitragen. Darüber hinaus untersuchen wir, wie Veränderungen in der Dichte der Lymphgefäße, ihrer Durchlässigkeit und ihrer Regenerationsfähigkeit diese Dysfunktionen noch verschlechtern. Schließlich erörtern wir potenzielle therapeutische Strategien, einschließlich auf die Lymphe ausgerichtete Therapien, entzündungshemmende Maßnahmen und Modifikationen des Lebensstils, die die lymphatische Alterung abmildern und den allgemeinen Gesundheitszustand älterer Menschen verbessern könnten. Das Verständnis der Prozesse, die die lymphatische Seneszenz vorantreiben, ist entscheidend für die Entwicklung gezielter Interventionen zur Erhaltung der Immunfunktion und der Gewebehomöostase in alternden Bevölkerungsgruppen.

Abstract

The lymphatic system maintains fluid balance, immune surveillance, and lipid absorption. However, aging leads to a progressive decline in structural integrity and functional efficiency, known as lymphatic senescence. This review examines this decline’s mechanisms, including endothelial dysfunction, impaired lymphatic smooth muscle contractility, and chronic inflammation. These contribute to reduced immune function, inefficient waste clearance, and heightened susceptibility to age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, lymphedema, and cancer metastasis. Additionally, we explore how changes in lymphatic vessel density, permeability, and regenerative capacity exacerbate these dysfunctions. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies, including lymphatic-targeted therapies, anti-inflammatory interventions, and lifestyle modifications, which may mitigate lymphatic aging and improve overall health outcomes in older people. Understanding the processes driving lymphatic senescence is crucial for developing targeted interventions to preserve immune function and tissue homeostasis in aging populations.

Schlüsselwörter

lymphatische Seneszenz - endotheliale Dysfunktion - chronische Entzündung - Lymphangiogenese - therapeutische Strategien

Keywords

lymphatic senescence - endothelial dysfunction - chronic inflammation - lymphangiogenesis - therapeutic strategies

Publication History

Received: 03 February 2025

Accepted after revision: 16 April 2025

Article published online:
04 June 2025

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