Lymphatics in Liver Diseases

Administration of VEGF-C or D may ameliorate benign liver diseases by increasing lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic drainage. Blocking lymphangiogenesis could also be an appropriate option for diseases such as cholangiocarcinoma where tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis may promote metastasis of malignant tumors. Identification of alternative lymphangiogenic pathways other than the VEGF-C/D/VEGFR3 axis, including additional pro- and anti-lymphangiogenic factors will likely increase novel therapeutic options for cholangiocarcinoma in particular and liver diseases in general. Exciting times are waiting ahead. A completely new era of therapeutics in liver diseases and portal hypertension is likely to unravel in the near future.