Exploring Lymphatic Vasculature's Role in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases

The field of lymphatic diseases and cardiovascular diseases is gaining increasing attention due to its critical role in maintaining fluid homeostasis, immune surveillance, and fat absorption from the intestinal tract. Despite the well-established importance of the lymphatic system, there remain significant gaps in our understanding of its functions, particularly in relation to cardiovascular health. Recent advancements in experimental methods and technologies have unveiled novel and sometimes unexpected roles of the lymphatic vasculature in both normal and pathological conditions across various organs. Notably, cardiac lymphatics have been implicated in heart development, ischemic cardiac disease, and other cardiac disorders. However, the precise mechanisms and broader implications of these findings are still under investigation, highlighting the need for more comprehensive research in this area.

This research topic aims to explore new insights into the functions of lymphatic vasculature in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Specifically, it seeks to answer questions regarding the mechanisms by which lymphatic vessels influence heart health, the potential therapeutic targets within the lymphatic system for treating cardiovascular diseases, and the interplay between lymphatic and metabolic pathways in disease contexts. By addressing these questions, the research aims to fill existing knowledge gaps and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

To gather further insights into the intricate relationship between lymphatic and cardiovascular systems, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- The role of lymphatic vessels in heart development and function
- Mechanisms of lymphatic involvement in ischemic cardiac disease
- Lymphatic contributions to cardiac disorders and heart failure
- Interactions between lymphatic and metabolic pathways in cardiovascular diseases
- Advanced imaging and experimental techniques for studying cardiac lymphatics
- Potential therapeutic targets within the lymphatic system for cardiovascular diseases
- Comparative studies of lymphatic functions in different organs and their implications for cardiovascular health

Keywords: lymphatic disease, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, cardiac function, lymphatics

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.