Lead Investigator: Eva Sevick-Muraca, PhD

Institution: University of Texas, Health Sciences Center at Houston

LF Funding History: 2017 Collaborative Award

Hypothesis: We hypothesize that characterization of the lymphatics and adipose tissues in early lipedema subjects and those without lymphedema will help diagnose the condition and identify quantitative measures by which the disease can be accurately diagnosed.

Current LF Collaborations

• Karen Herbst, University of Arizona

Research Updates:

• Application of near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI) to visualize genetically-driven loss of lymphatic function

Related Links: Sevick-Muraca Lab

Project: Characterization of Lymphatic Function and Adipose Deposition in Early Lipedema

The etiology of the initiation of lipedema is hypothesized to arise from the imbalance between aberrant lipid metabolism by adipocytes (that may be hormonally mediated) and the efflux of lipids from peripheral tissues by the lymphatics. The imbalance may be followed by a sequelae of conditions, including weight gain and inflammation. By the time lipedema is diagnosed (if it is at all), weight gain and a sequelae of inflammatory events that include lymphedema and other chronic conditions, confound and make difficult characterization and diagnosis.

We have used imaging (and continue to use imaging under other funding mechanisms) to understand the etiology of lymphedema. We now seek to understand the etiology of lipedema. We hypothesize that characterization of the lymphatics and adipose tissues in early lipedema subjects and those without lymphedema will help diagnose the condition and identify quantitative measures by which the disease can be accurately diagnosed. A combination of preclinical and clinical investigation could definitively identify the etiology and quantitative measures for accurate diagnosis