Regulation of Adipogenesis by Lymphatic fluid Stasis Part II: Expression of Adipose Differentiation Genes

Background Although fat deposition is a defining clinical characteristic of lymphedema, the cellular mechanisms that regulate this response remain unknown. The goal of this study was to determine how lymphatic fluid stasis regulates adipogenic gene activation and fat deposition. Methods Adult female mice underwent tail lymphatic ablation and sacrifice at 1, 3, or 6 weeks post-operatively (n=8/group). Samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and western blot. An alternative group of mice underwent axillary dissections or sham incisions and limb tissues were harvested 3 weeks post-operatively (n=8/group). Results Lymphatic fluid stasis resulted in significant subcutaneous fat deposition and fibrosis in lymphedematous tail regions (p