Reduced lymphatic function contributes to age-related disease

摘要

The diverse etiologies of age-related diseases, from osteoarthritis to Alzheimer’s disease, all share an impairment, or slow loss, of tissue function. Aging tissue homeostasis shifts towards progressive, low-grade inflammation and a dampened immune response. The lymphatic vasculature is the key regulator of tissue homeostasis in health and disease. Lymphatics transport antigens and other macromolecules, excess interstitial fluid, and activated immune cells during inflammation. Shang and colleagues recently reviewed for the detrimental molecular changes that occur in lymphatics with age [ ]. Here we highlight how reduced lymphatic function is a key component regulating several age-related diseases.