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. 2017 Jan 17;18(1):171. doi: 10.3390/ijms18010171

Table 1.

Summary of selected cytokines and growth factors involved in lymphedema.

Cytokine Function
IFN-γ Impairs lymphangiogenesis
Activates macrophages
IL-1 Induces DC migration
IL-13 Impairs lymphangiogenesis
Promotes M2 macrophage activation
IL-4 Impairs lymphangiogenesis
Promotes M2 macrophage activation
IL-6 Regulates chronic inflammation
Decreases adipose deposition
TGF-β1 Mediates soft-tissue fibrosis
Negatively regulates lymphatic vessel regeneration
VEGF-C Promotes lymphangiogenesis