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OBJECTIVES: To contribute to a more in-depth assessment of shape, volume, and asymmetry of the lower extremities in patients with lipedema or lymphedema utilizing volume information from MR imaging. METHODS: A deep learning (DL) pipeline was developed including (i) localization of anatomical landmarks (femoral heads, symphysis, knees, ankles) and (ii) quality-assured tissue segmentation to enable standardized quantification of subcutaneous (SCT) and subfascial tissue (SFT) volumes. The retrospectively derived dataset for method development consisted of 45 patients (42 female, 44.2 ± 14.8 years) who underwent clinical 3D DIXON MR-lymphangiography examinations of the lower extremities. Five-fold cross-validated training was performed on 16,573 axial slices from 40 patients and testing on 2187 axial slices from 5 patients. For landmark detection, two EfficientNet-B1 convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were applied in an ensemble. One determines the relative foot-head position of each axial slice with respect to the landmarks by regression, the other identifies all landmarks in coronal reconstructed slices using keypoint detection. After landmark detection, segmentation of SCT and SFT was performed on axial slices employing a U-Net architecture with EfficientNet-B1 as encoder. Finally, the determined landmarks were used for standardized analysis and visualization of tissue volume, distribution, and symmetry, independent of leg length, slice thickness, and patient position. RESULTS: Excellent test results were observed for landmark detection (z-deviation = 4.5 ± 3.1 mm) and segmentation (Dice score: SCT = 0.989 ± 0.004, SFT = 0.994 ± 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed DL pipeline allows for standardized analysis of tissue volume and distribution and may assist in diagnosis of lipedema and lymphedema or monitoring of conservative and surgical treatments. KEY POINTS: • Efficient use of volume information that MRI inherently provides can be extracted automatically by deep learning and enables in-depth assessment of tissue volumes in lipedema and lymphedema. • The deep learning pipeline consisting of body part regression, keypoint detection, and quality-assured tissue segmentation provides detailed information about the volume, distribution, and asymmetry of lower extremity tissues, independent of leg length, slice thickness, and patient position.

PURPOSE: Lipoedema is a progressive adipose (fat) disorder, and little is known about its psychological effect. This study aimed to determine the experiences of physical and mental health and health care across stages of lipoedema. METHODS: Cross-sectional, secondary data from an anonymous survey (conducted 2014-2015) in Dutch and English in those with self-reported lipoedema were used (N = 1,362, Mdnage = 41-50 years old, 80.2% diagnosed). χ2 analyses of categorical data assessed lipoedema stage groups 'Stage 1-2' (N = 423), 'Stages 3-4' (N = 474) and 'Stage Unknown' (N = 406) experiences of health (physical and psychological), and health care. RESULTS: Compared to 'Stage 1-2', 'Stage 3-4' reported more loss of mobility (p =  < .001), pain (p =  < .001), fatigue (p = .002), problems at work (p =  < .001) and were seeking treatment to improve physical functioning (p =  < .001) more frequently. 'Stage 3-4' were more likely to report their GP did not have knowledge of lipoedema, did not take them seriously, gave them diet and lifestyle advice, dismissed lipoedema, and treated them 'badly' due to overweight/lipoedema compared to 'Stage 1-2' (p =  < .001). 'Stage 3-4' were more likely to report depression (p =  < .001), emotional lability (p = .033) eating disorders (p = .018) and feeling lonelier, more fearful, and stayed at home more (p =  < .001) and less likely to have visited a psychologist (p =  < .001) compared to 'Stage 1-2'. CONCLUSIONS: A divergent pattern of physical and psychological experiences between lipoedema stages reflects physical symptom differences and differences in psychological symptoms and health care experiences. These findings increase the understanding of lipoedema symptoms to inform psychological supports for women with lipoedema in navigating chronic health care management.

Background: Lipedema is a distinct adipose disorder from obesity necessitating awareness as well as different management approaches to address pain and optimize quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this proof-of-principle study is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of physical therapy interventions in women with lipedema. Methods and Results: Participants with Stage 1-2 lipedema and early Stage 0-1 lymphedema (n = 5, age = 38.4 ± 13.4 years, body mass index = 27.2 ± 4.3 kg/m2) underwent nine visits of physical therapy in 6 weeks for management of symptoms impacting functional mobility and QoL. Pre- and post-therapy, participants were scanned with 3 Tesla sodium and water magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), underwent biophysical measurements, and completed questionnaires measuring function and QoL (patient-specific functional scale, PSFS, and RAND-36). Pain was measured at each visit using the 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS). Treatment effect was calculated for all study variables. The primary symptomatology measures of pain and function revealed clinically significant post-treatment improvements and large treatment effects (Cohen's d for pain VAS = -2.5 and PSFS = 4.4). The primary sodium MRI measures, leg skin sodium, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) sodium, reduced following treatment and revealed large treatment effects (Cohen's d for skin sodium = -1.2 and SAT sodium = -0.9). Conclusions: This proof-of-principle study provides support that persons with lipedema can benefit from physical therapy to manage characteristic symptoms of leg pain and improve QoL. Objective MRI measurement of reduced tissue sodium in the skin and SAT regions indicates reduced inflammation in the treated limbs. Further research is warranted to optimize the conservative therapy approach in lipedema, a condition for which curative and disease-modifying treatments are unavailable.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on the insulin resistance parameter (HOMA-IR), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-peptide, insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2h-post-loadglucose (2h-PG) and the concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in patients with abnormal body mass index. The study involved 30 patients, including patients with normal body weight (as a control group; group I; n = 14), overweight patients (group II; n = 9) and obese patients (group III; n = 7). Each patient underwent 10 sessions of MLD therapy, 3 times a week for 30 min. In addition, we measured body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and performed body composition analysis as well as biochemical tests before MLD therapy (stage 0') and after MLD therapy (stage 1'). A statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between the concentration of C-peptide, BMI, the amount of visceral adipose tissue (r = 0.87, p = 0.003; r = 0.76, p = 0.003, respectively), and the HOMA-IR index, BMI and the amount of visceral adipose tissue (r = 0.86, p = 0.005; r = 0.84, p = 0.042, respectively), before and after MLD therapy. In overweight patients (group II), a statistically significant (p = 0.041) decrease in the hsCRP level by 2.9 mg/L and a significant (p = 0.050) decrease in the 2h-PG level by 12 mg/dL after the MLD therapy was detected. Moreover, in the group of obese patients (group III), a statistically significant (p = 0.013) decrease in HbA1c level by 0.2% after MLD therapy was demonstrated. Our results indicate that MLD may have a positive effect on selected biochemical parameters, with the most favorable changes in overweight patients. Further studies in a larger number of patients are warranted to confirm our findings, to test in-depth their mechanism, and to investigate clinical benefits of this alternative therapy in patients with abnormal body mass index.

Background The three-dimensional [3D] wound dressings Biobrane® and Epicite are used in the wound management. Fibroblasts are important for successful deep wound healing. The direct effect of Biobrane® and Epicite on human fibroblasts, particularly of juvenile individuals, remains unclear. Therefore, this study compared the survival and growth characteristics of juvenile and adult dermal fibroblasts on Biobrane® and Epicite using different culture models. Method Murine (L929), primary juvenile and adult human fibroblasts were seeded on both materials using two dimensional (2D, slide culture) or 3D culture at the medium-air interface and dynamical rotatory culture. Cell adherence, viability, morphology and actin cytoskeleton architecture were monitored. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses could be only performed from Biobrane®. Permeability and DNA amount of both materials were tested. Results The majority of all tested fibroblasts species survived on both dressings with no significant differences between 1 and 14 days. Juvenile and adult fibroblasts exerted typical fibroblast morphology with spindle-shaped cell bodies on the materials. SEM visualized morphological differences between murine and human fibroblasts on Biobrane®. Juvenile and adult fibroblasts colonized Biobrane® in rotatory culture after 7 days the most. The Biobrane® rotatory culture of L929 and juvenile fibroblasts showed after 7 days the significantly highest DNA amount. No major gender differences could be observed. Biobrane® had a higher permeability than Epicite. Conclusion Both wound dressing can be colonized by fibroblasts suggesting their high cytocompatibility. Fibroblast survival and morphology on Biobrane® and Epicite depended on the culture system and the fibroblast source.

Background: Lipedema of lower limbs is characterized by bilateral accumulations of excess adipose tissue starting from the ankle to the hips and buttocks. The studies with lymphoscintigraphy (LSC) and magnetic resonance (MR) lymphography show altered transport index and enlarged lymphatic vessels (LVs). Our studies aimed to investigate the superficial lymph flow, water accumulation, skin and subcutaneous tissue elasticity, and the possibility of using this information to diagnose lipedema. Methods and Results: Fifty patients with lipedema and 50 control subjects (women) were included. The Indocyanine Green (ICG) lymphography, LSC, skin water measurement, skin durometry, and deep tissue tonometry were done in all participants. ICG lymphography revealed: (1) Slower lymph flow in lipedema patients; after 3 minutes of feet movement in a horizontal position, the ICG-dyed lymph reached the upper calf level in 8% of lipedema patients compared with 56% in the control group (p ˂ 0.0001). (2) More than three LVs were noticed more often in lipedema patients. (3) The higher number of abnormal LV images at all limb levels and during each observation stage with a statistically significant number of foggy and dilated. (4) Statistically significant higher fluorescent intensity in all limb levels. Skin water concentration was higher in the feet in lipedema (p = 0.000189). Conclusion: Our studies have shown the differences in superficial lymph flow and water concentration between lipedema and normal limbs. Data proove the usefulness of ICG lymphography, skin water concentration and skin and subcutaneous tissue elasticity measurements in diagnosing lipedema.

In early 2019, the Lipedema Foundation, in partnership with advisors from the Lipedema patient and research communities, launched the Lipedema Foundation Registry — an initial confidential survey to help understand the condition. After three years, we are ecstatic to share this Registry First Look report, providing perspective on the diverse experiences of people with Lipedema. We are tremendously thankful to those who contributed their time and insights, without which this report would not have been possible. This report includes data from the first 521 fully completed Registry surveys from people who believe they have Lipedema, out of 2,000 in-progress responses. These 521 people represent 14,556 years of lived experience with Lipedema, across dimensions including: • Diagnosis: This report focuses on the experiences of 521 people who either report having received a Lipedema diagnosis, or have symptoms sufficient for them to believe they have Lipedema. Data from non-Lipedema populations has been collected, but is not presented in this report. • Amount of time living with Lipedema: Participants include women with less than 10 years duration of the condition, though almost half of survey respondents had lived with Lipedema for more than 30 years at the time of participation. • Geography: Though only in English at this time, the Registry is multinational, with 21% of contributions from outside the US. Much captured here is consistent with existing academic literature and surveys. Findings include: • The Registry data is consistent with research showing the majority of patients first notice symptoms around the time of puberty; more specifically, the Registry data shows peak onset of symptoms between ages 12 and 14. • As widely reported by patients, this data shows long delays between onset and treatment. On average, women sought medical attention 17 years after first noticing symptoms, and received a diagnosis 10 years later. • Participants were able to identify Lipedema-like features in their bodies at frequencies consistent with the medical literature. They found Lipedema-like texture throughout their bodies, though most frequently in the arms and legs. • Both typical and flaring pain are common. Heaviness, bruising, and sensitivity to touch are also common and speak further to patients’ quality of life. After analyzing the data, the Lipedema Foundation team conducted two focus groups with patients to help understand and contextualize the findings. Their interpretations, insights and quotes appear throughout. Though this report is a great start, we hope it can be a tool to advance Lipedema awareness, understanding and care. Key next steps include: • Challenging healthcare professionals to recognize and understand Lipedema, and stop stigmatizing and dismissing patients when they seek care. • Informing scientific hypotheses and the research agenda. • Expanding and diversifying Registry participation, to ensure it represents the true diversity of the Lipedema patient population. Analysis of patient experience reminds us that Lipedema can present in many ways. This diversity asks us to take a closer look at typical descriptions of Lipedema, and this report should influence how we think about anatomical changes in Lipedema and progression of the disorder. These insights must be followed up with formal medical studies, but many hypotheses to be tested have been captured here in the patients’ own voices.

Background and aims: Lipoedema is a little-known condition that is often misdiagnosed. Lipoedema presents with nodular to swollen areas that can lead to induration, nodular, uneven skin, as well as dimpling and skin flap formation, most commonly on the lower extremities, more rarely on the upper extremities The accumulation of adipose tissue results in characteristic symmetrical swelling of the extremities, ending above the ankles or wrists (cuff-sign). Primary pain phenomena include localized pain, tenderness, painful tightness, and pain on touch and pressure during activities. To get an insight in necessary self-management of pain and symptoms, a narrative review was conducted to identify requirement of self-management for coping with phenomena of pain in lipoedema and associated comorbidities. Methods: The narrative literature review includes international medical and guideline databases, as well as social media reports from affected persons. Analysis was performed using the content analysis method. Requirements of self-management, coping behaviour as well as individual case descriptions were searched. Results: 48 publications were identified. Guidelines and publications on guidelines accounted for a large proportion. Presentation of results outlines the range of requirements to manage pain with a bio-psycho-social pattern in the synthesis. Limiting spontaneous and pressure pain and secondary pain phenomena such as joint pain and mobility limitations are described. The prevention of chronification of pain in association with lipoedema has not yet been a direct aim in the therapeutic strategy. Conclusions: A knowledge gap regarding the incidence of pain syndrome and chronification shows major deficits of self-management strategies and implies further research needs.

Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disease of adipose tissue with unknown etiology. Based on the relevance of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell population in lipedema, we performed a thorough characterization of subcutaneous adipose tissue, SVF isolated thereof and the sorted populations of endothelial cells (EC), pericytes and cultured adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASC) of early-stage lipedema patients. We employed histological and gene expression analysis and investigated the endothelial barrier by immunofluorescence and analysis of endothelial permeability in vitro. Although there were no significant differences in histological stainings, we found altered gene expression of factors relevant for local estrogen metabolism (aromatase), preadipocyte commitment (ZNF423) and immune cell infiltration (CD11c) in lipedema on the tissue level, as well as in distinct cellular subpopulations. Machine learning analysis of immunofluorescence images of CD31 and ZO-1 revealed a morphological difference in the cellular junctions of EC cultures derived from healthy and lipedema individuals. Furthermore, the secretome of lipedema-derived SVF cells was sufficient to significantly increase leakiness of healthy human primary EC, which was also reflected by decreased mRNA expression of VE-cadherin. Here, we showed for the first time that the secretome of SVF cells creates an environment that triggers endothelial barrier dysfunction in early-stage lipedema. Moreover, since alterations in gene expression were detected on the cellular and/or tissue level, the choice of sample material is of high importance in elucidating this complex disease.

High-quality three-dimensional (3D) microscopy allows detailed, unrestricted and non-destructive imaging of entire volumetric tissue specimens and can therefore increase the diagnostic accuracy of histopathological tissue analysis. However, commonly used IgG antibodies are oftentimes not applicable to 3D imaging, due to their relatively large size and consequently inadequate tissue penetration and penetration speed. The lack of suitable reagents for 3D histopathology can be overcome by an emerging class of single-domain antibodies, referred to as nanobodies (Nbs), which can facilitate rapid and superior 2D and 3D histological stainings. Here, we report the generation and experimental validation of Nbs directed against the human endothelial cell-selective adhesion molecule (hESAM), which enables spatial visualization of blood vascular networks in whole-mount 3D imaging. After analysis of Nb binding properties and quality, selected Nb clones were validated in 2D and 3D imaging approaches, demonstrating comparable staining qualities to commercially available hESAM antibodies in 2D, as well as rapid and complete staining of entire specimens in 3D. We propose that the presented hESAM-Nbs can serve as novel blood vessel markers in academic research and can potentially improve 3D histopathological diagnostics of entire human tissue specimens, leading to improved treatment and superior patient outcomes.

Lipedema is a multifaceted chronic fat disorder characterized by the bilateral and disproportionate accumulation of fat predominantly in the lower body regions of females. Research strongly supports that estrogen factors likely contribute to the pathophysiology of this disease. We aim to help demonstrate this link by quantifying estrogen factor differences between women with and without lipedema. For time and lipedema adipose tissue conservation, the Protein Simple WES machine will be utilized in place of traditional western blotting. Here, we are interested in evaluating estrogen related factors, such as, but not limited to, estrogen receptors and enzymes involved in the successive conversions of cholesterol and androgens to estrogens in human subcutaneous adipose. Evaluation of these factors within adipose tissue, however, is novel for this instrument. Thus, we optimized tissue lysis and protein extraction for 11 proteins of interest. Antibodies and their working concentrations were determined based upon specific and distinguishable (signal-to-noise) peaks from electropherogram outputs across different tissue lysate concentrations. We found that overnight acetone precipitation proved to be the best procedure for extracting protein from lipid rich adipose tissue samples. Six of the eleven proteins were found to migrate to their expected molecular weights, however, five did not. For proteins that did not migrate as expected, overexpression lysates and empty vector controls were used to validate detection antibodies. Protein extract from subcutaneous adipose tissue and overexpression lysates were then combined to understand if migration was specifically altered by adipose tissue. From these results, we concluded that the lipid rich nature of adipose tissue in combination with the separation matrix designated for use with the WES were preventing the appropriate migration of some proteins rather than non-specific antibody binding or inappropriate preparation methods.

Background: The lymphatic contribution to the circulation is of paramount importance in regulating fluid homeostasis, immune cell trafficking/activation and lipid metabolism. In comparison to the blood vasculature, the impact of the lymphatics has been underappreciated, both in health and disease, likely due to a less well-delineated anatomy and function. Emerging data suggest that lymphatic dysfunction can be pivotal in the initiation and development of a variety of diseases across broad organ systems. Understanding the clinical associations between lymphatic dysfunction and non-lymphatic morbidity provides valuable evidence for future investigations and may foster the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapies. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the electronic medical records of 724 patients referred to the Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders. Patients with an established lymphatic diagnosis were assigned to groups of secondary lymphoedema, lipoedema or primary lymphovascular disease. Individuals found to have no lymphatic disorder were served as the non-lymphatic controls. The prevalence of comorbid conditions was enumerated. Pairwise cooccurrence pattern analyses, validated by Jaccard similarity tests, was utilised to investigate disease–disease interrelationships. Results: Comorbidity analyses underscored the expected relationship between the presence of secondary lymphoedema and those diseases that damage the lymphatics. Cardiovascular conditions were common in all lymphatic subgroups. Additionally, statistically significant alteration of disease–disease interrelationships was noted in all three lymphatic categories when compared to the control population.

The Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a feature of the various menstrual cycles, infertility, hormonal irregularities, and hyperandrogenism. Insulin resistance, lipedema and hyperandrogenism are the most widespread endocrine disorder in PCOS. Most half of women with PCOS suffer from hirsutism, weight gain, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and dyslipidemia. The Aim of the Study is to measure thyroid function, especially hypothyroidism in women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome and its association with insulin resistance. It also aims to estimate the effect of hypothyroidism on the level of each of the following biochemical parameters: lipid profile, glucose, insulin, anti mullerain hormones, sex hormone and thyroid disorders frequency (hypothyroidism) in PCOS. Subjects, Materials and Methods: This study was performed on patients in the outpatient clinics of the Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility Clinic and at the al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in 2020, and it included 30 (control group) and 70 patients, including 35 euthyroid PCOS and 35 hypothyroidism PCOS (PCOS group), in the age group 15-45 years. Thyroid hormone levels Thyroxine (FT3, FT4) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Prolactin (PRL), Testosterone, Progestogen, Estradiol (E2), Anti Mullerian Hormones (AMH), Thyroperoxidase Anti Bodies (anti TPO), Insulin were measured by using a device cobas e411, and Lipid profile and Glucose by using a device cobas c311. Results: There was an increase in TSH levels, a decrease in thyroxine, an increase in lipid profile levels, an increase in the sex hormones levels, increase glucose and insulin resistance which is a sign of diabetes type 2. However, the reverse is noticed in the relation of hypothyroidism on PCOS with weight gain, lipids, insulin resistance, androgynism and hirsutism. The most frequent thyroid disorders affecting PCOS in this study were found to be autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. Conclusions: More than half of the women with PCOS suffer from hypothyroidism, compared to the normal women. As it was observed that dyslipidemia, weight gain, hirsutism, insulin resistance and sex hormones were more in hypothyroidism PCOS women compared to normal control subjects. We also concluded that PCOS and hypothyroidism are interrelated, as the presence of either is a cause of the other and that means the PCOS is more than just oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, or infertility.

Background: An adequate dietary energy supply is particularly important in patients with lipedema as it promotes weight and fat loss. Accurate estimation of resting metabolic rate (RMR) allows implementing a proper calorie restriction diet in patients with lipedema. Therefore, an accurate assessment of energy demand in patients with lipedema is crucial in clinical practice. Our study aimed to compare actual resting metabolic rate (aRMR) with predicted resting metabolic rate (pRMR) in women with lipedema and to determine the association between individual anthropometric measurements and aRMR.Methods: A total of 108 women diagnosed with lipedema were enrolled in the study. aRMR was measured by indirect calorimetry (IC) using FitMate WM metabolic system (Cosmed, Rome, Italy). pRMR was estimated with predictive equations and BIA. All anthropometric measurements were based on BIA (bioelectric impedance analysis).Results: The mean aRMR in the study group was 1705.2 ± 320.7 kcal/day. Most methods of predicted RMR measurement used in our study significantly underpredicted aRMR in patients with lipedema. We reported statistically significant high correlations between all anthropometric measurements and aRMR/pRMR and a moderate correlation between visceral fat level (VFL) and aRMR. Conclusions: aRMR in patients with lipedema calculated with predictive equations was significantly lower than aRMR measured with other methods. This study found the agreement of predictive equations compared to IC is low (&amp;lt;60%). Fat-free mass (FFM) is a stronger determinant of RMR in patients with lipedema than fat mass.

Attention has been drawn to the role of changes in visceral adipose tissue rather than subcutaneous adipose tissue in the relationship between adipokines and dysfunctional adipose tissue. Especially in lipedema in which subcutaneous adipose tissue is affected, information about adipokines is insufficient. In this study, it was aimed to investigate adiponectin, ghrelin, resistin and visfatin levels and their relationship with adipose tissue thickness in patients with lipedema. For this purpose, subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness was evaluated objectively by ultrasonography. A total of 19 female patients diagnosed with lipedema and 15 healthy women with no age difference were included in the study. Skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness were measured ultrasonographically. Serum levels of adiponectin, ghrein, resistin and visfatin of all subjects were measured using sandwich ELISA protocol. In patients with lipedema, subcutaneous subcutaneous tissue thickness and total skin-subcutaneous thickness were significantly increased in the thigh and calf, excluding skin thickness in the thigh, compared to controls (P0.05). No significant correlation was found between adiponectin, ghrelin, resistin and visfatin and skin, subcutaneous and total thickness measurements by ultrasound in patients with lipedema and controls (P>0.05). Although not statistically significant, when examined in detail, positive or negative correlations were observed between the groups in the relationship between adipokines and ultrasound measurements. According to our findings, although no significant relationship was found between serum levels of adipokines and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness, it is controversial that they are completely unrelated. Further studies in larger series will shed light on the relationship between adipokines and subcutaneous tissue thickness and the importance of ultrasonography. , Adipokinler ve disfonksiyonel yağ dokusu arasındaki ilişkide subkutan yağ dokusundan ziyade viseral yağ dokusundaki değişikliklerin rolüne dikkat çekilmiştir. Özellikle cilt altı yağ dokusunun etkilendiği lipödemde adipokinler hakkında bilgi yetersizdir. Bu çalışmada lipödemli hastalarda adiponektin, ghrelin, resistin ve visfatin düzeylerinin ve bunların yağ doku kalınlığı ile ilişkisinin araştırılması amaçlandı. Bu amaçla cilt altı yağ dokusu kalınlığı ultrasonografi ile objektif olarak değerlendirildi. Lipödem tanısı almış toplam 19 kadın hasta ve yaş farkı olmayan 15 sağlıklı kadın çalışmaya dahil edildi. Deri ve deri altı yağ dokusu kalınlıkları ultrasonografik olarak ölçüldü. Tüm deneklerin serum adiponektin, ghrein, resistin ve visfatin seviyeleri sandviç ELISA protokolü kullanılarak ölçüldü. Lipödemli hastalarda, uyluk ve baldırda subkutan subkutan doku kalınlığı ve toplam deri-subkutan kalınlığı kontrollere kıyasla, uyluktaki deri kalınlığı dışında önemli ölçüde arttı (P0.05). Lipödemli hastalarda ve kontrollerde ultrason ile adiponektin, ghrelin, resistin ve visfatin ile deri, deri altı ve toplam kalınlık ölçümleri arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmadı (P>0.05). İstatistiksel olarak anlamlı olmasa da detaylı incelendiğinde adipokinler ve ultrason ölçümleri arasındaki ilişkide gruplar arasında pozitif veya negatif korelasyonlar gözlendi. Bulgularımıza göre, serum adipokin düzeyleri ile deri altı yağ dokusu kalınlığı arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmamakla birlikte, tamamen ilgisiz oldukları tartışmalıdır. Daha geniş serilerde yapılacak çalışmalar adipokinlerin cilt altı doku kalınlığı ile ilişkisine ve ultrasonografinin önemine ışık tutacaktır.

The quantitative assessment of lymphatic dermal clearance using NIR fluorescent tracers is particularly important for the early diagnosis of several potential disabling diseases. Currently, half-life values are computed using a mono-exponential mathematical model, neglecting diffusion of the tracer within the dermis after injection. The size and position of the region of interest are subjectively manually selected around the point of injection on the skin surface where the fluorescence signal intensity is averaged, neglecting any spatial information contained in the image. In this study we present and test a novel mathematical model allowing the objective quantification of dermal clearance, taking into consideration potential dermal diffusion. With only two parameters, this "clearance-diffusion" model is simple enough to be applied in a variety of settings and requires almost no prior information about the system. We demonstrate that if dermal diffusion is low, the mono-exponential approach is suitable but still lacking objectivity. However, if dermal diffusion is substantial, the clearance-diffusion model is superior and allows the accurate calculation of half-life values.