FIGURE 1.

Reciprocal regulation of obesity and lymphatic dysfunction. Schematic illustration showing the reciprocal regulation of obesity and lymphatic dysfunction. Peri-lymphatic inflammation in obesity causes decreased lymphatic pumping, DC migration, LEC gene expression, and increased lymphatic leakage leading to lymphatic dysfunction. Behavioral interventions like aerobic exercise and weight loss inhibit and reverse obesity-induced lymphatic dysfunction. Genetic or surgical lymphatic damage or dysfunction causes malabsorption of lipids, adipocyte proliferation, and progressive accumulation of adipose tissue, leading to obesity.