DOI: 10.24019/issn.2532-0831

Online ISSN 2532-0831

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Vascular Research

Journal website: http://www.vasculab.eu/jtavr.xml

JTAVR 2024;09(2):13-16

Lymphatic senescence - can we counteract it through lymphatic system stimulation?

N Piller

Abstract No-one it seems is immune from cellular senescence, as we age. We often focus on this, and the reason is clear; in its chronic form it's part of the process of aging (and eventually dying) of some form of cancer, and/or system dysfunction, be that cardiovascular, intestinal or some other. However, senescence is also a necessary part of living, having an important role in embryogenesis, wound healing and the tissue remodeling process. None of our body systems is immune from it, including the vascular and lymphatic systems which are the focus of this article. In terms of senescence of the lymphatic system there are structural and thus functional changes affecting its ability to function optimally. Some evidence indicates a reduction in lymphatic density and pumping abilities (at least in skin) But we may be able to make a difference through the application of lymphatic stimulation techniques such as Complex Decongestive Therapy. Manual Lymphatic Drainage and electrostimulation. However, we need more research into their benefits in the older population groups in which we have also some evidence of senescence.