The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and plays a key role in normal vascular function. Its failure plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of various diseases including liver diseases. Lymphangiogenesis (the growth of lymphatic vessels) and changes in the properties of lymphatic vessels are associated with pathogenesis of tumor metastases, ascites formation, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Despite its significant role in liver diseases and its importance as a potential therapeutic target for those diseases, the lymphatic vascular system of the liver is poorly understood. Therefore, how the lymphatic vascular system in general and lymphangiogenesis in particular are mechanistically related to the pathogenesis and maintenance of liver diseases are largely unknown. This article summarizes: 1) the lymphatic vascular system; 2) its role in liver tumors, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and portal hypertension; and 3) its role in ascites formation.
Ascites/*etiology ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal/complications/pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis/complications/pathology ; Liver Diseases/complications/*pathology ; Liver Neoplasms/complications/pathology ; Lymphangiogenesis ; Lymphatic Vessels/metabolism/physiopathology

The inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is expressed in hepatic cells in pathological conditions. Its induction is involved in the development of liver fibrosis, and thus iNOS could be a therapeutic target for liver fibrosis. This review summarizes the role of iNOS in liver fibrosis, focusing on 1) iNOS biology, 2) iNOS-expressing liver cells, 3) iNOS-related therapeutic strategies, and 4) future directions.
Endothelial Cells/metabolism ; Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism ; Humans ; Kupffer Cells/metabolism ; Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism/*pathology ; Nitric Oxide/*metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/antagonists & inhibitors/genetics/*metabolism ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; RNA, Untranslated/metabolism

The lymphatic system plays vital roles in interstitial fluid balance and immune cell surveillance. The effect of alcohol on the lymphatic system is poorly understood. This review article explores the role of the lymphatic system in the pathogenesis of alcohol-related disease including alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and the therapeutic potential of targeting hepatic lymphatics for the treatment of ALD.