Project: Impact of Combination Therapy on Lipedema Patient Tissue Stress

Principal Investigator: Joseph Rutkowski, PhD
Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Leopoldo Cobos-Salinas, MD
Texas A&M University College of Medicine
Medical Physiology
Bryan, TX

Summary

The proposed research seeks to identify a biological basis for the pain and sensitivity associated with Lipedema-impacted tissue and test whether a combination oral therapy can reduce discomfort and improve quality of life.

Background

Peripheral neuropathic pain, described as pain and tenderness in the bilateral lower extremities and skin hypersensitivity, is exhibited in many Lipedema patients. Several hypotheses have been proposed as to what mechanisms in Lipedema may drive this phenotype, but no conclusive studies have yet been published. We hypothesize that those patients demonstrating pain will demonstrate biological indicators of neurosensitization. With the underlying mechanisms driving lipedema still unclear, we hypothesize that this pain may result from factors that dictate the condition as a whole.

Methodology

Recruited subjects who are newly diagnosed with Lipedema will complete several surveys and undergo measurements of peripheral pain and sensitization (these tests themselves not being painful). Blood and a small thigh biopsy will be collected. Subjects will then be treated for 3 months using a combination therapy devised by Dr. Cobos-Salinas. We will then collect the same information and tissues at follow-up to assess (1) improvements in well-being and indicators of pain and (2) biological indicators correlated to Lipedema, Lipedema stage, and/or biological changes resulting from treatment.

Expected outcomes

We hypothesize the subjects will exhibit positive well-being outcomes that correlate with quantitative measurements. Biological indicators of Lipedema may not be changed with treatment but will minimally provide an underlying characterization of Lipedema stage with indicators of neuropathy.

Practical implementations of results

Demonstrating a positive, quantifiable patient benefit could help all Lipedema patients and strengthen the understanding for a larger, more comprehensive study. Blood and tissue samples will help to characterize Lipedema and Lipedema stage and any finding may point to a mechanism that drives not only neuropathic pain, but the condition as a whole.

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