Bidirectional crosstalk between obesity and the lymphatic system: a novel pathway in obesity pathogenesis and treatment.
Obesity has become a global public health crisis in recent years, with its continuous rise posing significant health risks. It is associated with a range of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, obesity leads to poor health outcomes and reduces life expectancy. The lymphatic system, a critical part of the circulatory system, has traditionally been recognized for its primary functions in immune surveillance and maintaining tissue fluid balance. Lymphatics also play a more complex role in lipid metabolism, immune regulation, and inflammation control, which significantly influences metabolic health. Despite these insights, the specific mechanisms of interaction between lymphatic dysfunction and obesity, as well as the directionality of causality, are not yet fully understood. This review aims to systematically synthesize and evaluate existing evidence regarding the interrelationship between lymphatic dysfunction and obesity. Its goal is to provide novel perspectives for developing innovative preventative and therapeutic strategies targeting lymphatic function in obesity.