Surgical lymphedema models in the mice hindlimb-A systematic review and quality assessment.

Background: Lymphedema constitutes a major unsolved problem in plastic surgery. To identify novel lymphedema treatments, preclinical studies are vital. The surgical mouse lymphedema model is popular and cost-effective; nonetheless, a synthesis and overview of the literature with evidence-based guidelines is needed.

Short term treatment of secondary lymphedema with hyaluronidase injections reduces mouse hindlimb lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a common complication following breast cancer treatment with axillary lymphadenectomy and radiotherapy. Currently, there is no curative treatment for this disease, hence there is a need for new therapeutic suggestions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hyaluronidase (HYAL) injections after inducing hindlimb lymphedema in 36 female C57BL/6 mice.

Microcomputed tomography versus plethysmometer and electronic caliper in the measurements of lymphedema in the hindlimb of mice.

Lymphedema affects 20% of women diagnosed with breast cancer. It is a pathology with no known cure. Animal models are essential to explore possible treatments to understand and potentially cure lymphedema.

Comparison between stromal vascular fraction and adipose derived stem cells in a mouse lymphedema model.

Lymphedema is one of the most common complications following breast cancer. Axillary lymph node dissection and radiotherapy are two well-known risk factors resulting in either removal or damage to the lymph nodes. As stem cells are known for their regenerative capabilities, they could theoretically repair/restore the damaged lymph vessels leading to a decrease in lymphedema.

Quantification of tissue volume in the hindlimb of mice using microcomputed tomography images and analysing software.

When studying illnesses that cause disturbance in volume such as lymphedema, reliable quantification of tissue volume is important. Lymphedema results in swelling and enlargement of extremities and can be both physically and psychologically stressful to the patient. Experiments in rodent models provide a cost-effective research platform and are important for preclinical research on lymphedema.

A Revised Method for Inducing Secondary Lymphedema in the Hindlimb of Mice.

Animal models are of paramount importance in the research of lymphedema in order to understand the pathophysiology of the disease but also to explore potential treatment options. This mouse model allows researchers to induce significant lymphedema lasting at least 8 weeks. Lymphedema is induced using a combination of fractioned radiotherapy and surgical ablation of lymphatics.