Aging or injury to the joints can lead to cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis (OA), for which there are limited effective treatments. We found that expression of 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) is increased in the articular cartilage of aged or injured mice. Both systemic and local inhibition of 15-PGDH with a small-molecule inhibitor (PGDHi) led to regeneration of articular cartilage and reduction in OA-associated pain. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing and multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging of cartilage, we identified the major chondrocyte subpopulations. Inhibition of 15-PGDH decreased hypertrophic-like chondrocytes expressing 15-PGDH and increased extracellular matrix–synthesizing articular chondrocytes. Cartilage regeneration appears to occur through gene expression changes in preexisting chondrocytes, rather than stem or progenitor cell proliferation. 15-PGDH inhibition could be a potential disease-modifying and regenerative approach for osteoarthritis.

Introduction: This review aims to evaluate smart wound dressings (SWDs) that integrate sensor technology for real-time monitoring of acute and chronic wounds, with emphasis on clinical relevance, validation status, and translational limitations. Methods: A structured literature search was performed to identify preclinical, translational, and human studies evaluating sensor-enabled wound dressings, including technologies measuring temperature, pH, moisture, and infection-associated parameters. Relevant studies were selected based on applicability to sensor-integrated wound monitoring. Key features extracted included sensing modality, validation model, regulatory context, and reported clinical applicability. Results: Sensor-enabled wound dressings demonstrate promising noninvasive approaches to wound monitoring; however, the level of clinical validation varies widely. While some systems have advanced to limited human use supported by observational data, many remain at the preclinical or early feasibility stage. Direct comparisons with established diagnostic standards and robust patient-centered outcome data are largely lacking. Conclusions: SWDs represent a rapidly evolving field with significant potential to improve wound monitoring. Current clinical adoption is constrained by limited comparative validation and regulatory pathways that do not require demonstrated efficacy. Future studies benchmarking these technologies against accepted diagnostic standards will be essential to defining their clinical role.

The lymphatic system, a complex and dynamic network comprising lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes (LNs), and associated lymphoid tissues, plays a pivotal role in regulating interstitial fluid balance and providing immune surveillance across the body. In cancer, however, the lymphatic system often transforms into a pathway for malignant cell dissemination, leading to lymphatic metastasis—a significant step in tumor progression associated with worse patient prognoses. Mechanistically, tumor cells exploit lymphangiogenic pathways to facilitate their entry and spread within the lymphatic network. Key mechanisms in this process include the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factors C and D (VEGF-C/D), which promote lymphatic endothelial proliferation, vessel dilation, and increased permeability. This review seeks to provide an in-depth examination of the biological mechanisms underpinning lymphatic metastasis, explore its impact on cancer progression, and highlight current and emerging strategies aimed at managing metastatic disease.

Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) is a debilitating disease causing limb enlargement secondary to fluid accumulation. Although vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) has emerged as a promising option for refractory cases, data are limited by small samples and inconclusive results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess metrics of symptom improvement after VLNT and the impact of donor sites on outcomes. This study was performed per the PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO (#CRD420251243270). The PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases were searched until February 2026. Studies on lower limb VLNT were included and combined techniques were excluded. Outcomes included circumference reduction rate (CRR), limb volume, and complications. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and meta-analyses were performed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa and Joanna Briggs Institute Scales RESULTS: Twenty five studies were included and comprised 395 unique patients (70.28% female). Above and below knee CRR were 24.79% and 29.50% with high reduction in flaps using the gastroepiploic donor site (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively). Limb volume was decreased by 25.32% and cellulitis incidence was significantly decreased postoperatively (p < 0.001). Adverse events were low at 12.22%. VLNT is a safe and effective technique for LEL treatment with substantial CRR, limb volume reduction, and cellulitis incidence. Outcomes were significantly improved with gastroepiploic flaps, suggesting that they should be most used for lymphedema treatment. Limitations include potential reporting bias and retrospective nature of studies. Future prospective studies should further evaluate outcomes based on different donor and recipient sites.

Background: May–Thurner syndrome (MTS) is an uncommon cause of deep vein thrombosis and unilateral lower extremity lymphedema. We present the largest case series to date of 26 MTS patients with lymphedema. We aim to report the pathophysiology of lymphedema in relation to venous dysfunction onset in MTS patients and evaluate the effectiveness of surgical lymphedema treatment. Methods: Retrospective case series. Patients treated for lymphedema with concurrent MTS diagnosis were retrospectively identified at a large academic medical center. Surgical interventions included lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA), vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), liposuction, and a combination of surgeries. Nonsurgical intervention included complete decongestive physical therapy (CDPT). Results: Twenty-six patients (19 female, seven male) were identified and had undergone prior iliac vein stenting. International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stage II–III patients underwent lymphatic surgery or CDPT, while stage I only underwent CDPT. Stage I patients demonstrated an average excess volume increase of 21.74% ± 23.11. In stage II, CDPT patients experienced a percent volume increase of 15.26% ± 11.06, while combination patients experienced a 102% ± 63.31 volume decrease. Stage III patients comprised CDPT, liposuction, VLNT, and combination; these groups and two of three VLNT patients demonstrated decreased limb volume percentage. Pre- and postoperative MRIs in surgically treated patients showed improved tissue bulk, edema reduction, and new lymphatic channel formation. Conclusions: Surgery was effective in reducing MTS-related lymphedema. The common co-occurrence of lymphedema and MTS presents an opportunity for screening, early intervention, and prospective studies.