Alberto Benito-Martin

Dr. Alberto Benito-Martin


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 July 2020 in JCI Insight
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Journal Article
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WMWanshu Ma
Wanshu Ma
HGHyea Jin Gil
Hyea Jin Gil
NENoelia Escobedo
Noelia Escobedo
ABAlberto Benito-Martin
Alberto Benito-Martin
PXPilar Ximénez-Embún
Pilar Ximénez-Embún
GOGuillermo Oliver
Guillermo Oliver
Genetic or acquired defects of the lymphatic vasculature often result in disfiguring, disabling, and, occasionally, life-threatening clinical consequences. Advanced forms of lymphedema are readily diagnosed clinically, but more subtle presentations often require invasive imaging or other technologies for a conclusive diagnosis. On the other hand, lipedema, a chronic lymphatic microvascular disease with pathological accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue, is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema; currently there are no biomarkers or imaging criteria available for a conclusive diagnosis. Recent evidence suggests that otherwise-asymptomatic defective lymphatic vasculature likely contributes to an array of other pathologies, including obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological disorders. Accordingly, identification of biomarkers of lymphatic malfunction will provide a valuable resource for the diagnosis and clinical differentiation of lymphedema, lipedema, obesity, and other potential lymphatic pathologies. In this paper, we profiled and compared blood plasma exosomes isolated from mouse models and from human subjects with and without symptomatic lymphatic pathologies. We identified platelet factor 4 (PF4/CXCL4) as a biomarker that could be used to diagnose lymphatic vasculature dysfunction. Furthermore, we determined that PF4 levels in circulating blood plasma exosomes were also elevated in patients with lipedema, supporting current claims arguing that at least some of the underlying attributes of this disease are also the consequence of lymphatic defects.