An overview of lymphatic vessels and their emerging role in cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Over the past decade, molecular details of lymphatic vessels (lymphatics) have been rapidly acquired due 
to the identification of lymphatic endothelial-specific markers. Separate from the cardiovascular system, the 
lymphatic system is also an elaborate network of vessels that are important in normal physiology. Lymphatic 
vessels have the unique task to regulate fluid homeostasis, assist in immune surveillance, and transport dietary 
lipids. However, dysfunctional lymphatic vessels can cause pathology, while normal lymphatics can exacerbate 
pathology. This review summarizes the development and growth of lymphatic vessels in addition to highlighting 
their critical roles in physiology and pathology. Also, we discuss recent work that suggests a connection between 
lymphatic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease