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The Role of Hepatic and Splanchnic Lymphatic System in Portal Hypertension and Ascites

  • Portal Hypertension (J Gonzalez-Abraldes and E Tsochatzis, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The lymphatic network plays a major role in maintaining tissue fluid homeostasis. Therefore, several pathological conditions associated with edema formation result in deficient lymphatic function. However, traditionally, the lymphatic system has been underestimated until recent years when it has been noticed the importance of this system in chronic liver disease. This review highlights the knowledge of lymphatic biology in the context of portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis.

Recent Findings

Among different roles of lymphatic system in liver disease, two remarkable ones are the contribution in ascites accumulation and the hepatic lymphangiogenesis in portal hypertension which is regulated by sympathetic nerves.

Summary

The identification of novel pathological mechanisms has focused efforts into correction of structural changes and function affecting lymphatic vessels in liver disease. Despite the knowledge gained, we still have to face many unresolved questions concerning the role played by the lymphatic system in chronic liver disease and the design of therapeutic targeting.

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Funding

This research was supported by a grant from the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (SAF2016-75358-R to MM-R), co-financed by FEDER, European Union, a way of making Europe. CIBERehd is financed by Instituto de Salud Carlos III.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department-CDB, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, 170 Villarroel St., 08036, Barcelona, Spain

    Jordi Ribera, Bernat Córdoba-Jover, Irene Portolés & Manuel Morales-Ruiz

  2. Biomedicine Department, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

    Manuel Morales-Ruiz

  3. Working Group for the Biochemical Assessment of Hepatic Disease, SEQC-ML, Barcelona, Spain

    Manuel Morales-Ruiz

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  1. Jordi Ribera
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  2. Bernat Córdoba-Jover
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  3. Irene Portolés
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  4. Manuel Morales-Ruiz
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Correspondence to Manuel Morales-Ruiz.

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Jordi Ribera, Bernat Córdoba-Jover, Irene Portolés and Manuel Morales-Ruiz each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Portal Hypertension

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Ribera, J., Córdoba-Jover, B., Portolés, I. et al. The Role of Hepatic and Splanchnic Lymphatic System in Portal Hypertension and Ascites. Curr Hepatology Rep 18, 157–163 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11901-019-00460-6

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