In the kidneys, the lymphatics help remove excess fluid and macromolecules to maintain proper kidney function, and to contribute to kidney immunity and responses after injuries. A new article in Kidney360 provides a comprehensive overview of the functions of the lymphatic system in several kidney disease states.
In many kidney disease states, the demand on the lymphatic system increases as it tries to clear away harmful substances and swelling caused by injury. In response, new lymphatic vessels form from pre-existing lymphatics in a process called lymphangiogenesis. Increasing evidence suggests that excessive lymphangiogenesis could be harmful in acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and kidney transplant rejection, thus making it an area of active research.
Read more about lymphangiogenesis in kidney disease in Kidney360.
Baker ML, Cantley LG. The Lymphatic System in Kidney Disease. Kidney360. 2023 Jun 1;4(6):e841-e850. doi: 10.34067/KID.0000000000000120. Epub 2023 Apr 5. PMID: 37019177.