Role of epidural fat in the local milieu: what we know and what we don't.
Connect Tissue Res
; 65(2): 102-116, 2024 03.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38493368
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Traditionally, the epidural fat (EF) is known as a physical buffer for the dural sac against the force and a lubricant facilitating the relative motion of the latter on the osseous spine. Along with the development of the studies on EF, controversies still exist on vital questions, such as the underlying mechanism of the spinal epidural lipomatosis. Meanwhile, the scattered and fragmented researches hinder the global insight into the seemingly dispensable tissue.METHODS:
Herein, we reviewed literature on the EF and its derivatives to elucidate the dynamic change and complex function of EF in the local milieu, especially at the pathophysiological conditions. We start with an introduction to EF and the current pathogenic landscape, emphasizing the interlink between the EF and adjacent structures. We generally categorize the major pathological changes of the EF into hypertrophy, atrophy, and inflammation. RESULTS ANDCONCLUSIONS:
It is acknowledged that not only the EF (or its cellular components) may be influenced by various endogenic/exogenic and focal/systematic stimuli, but the adjacent structures can also in turn be affected by the EF, which may be a hidden pathogenic clue for specific spinal disease. Meanwhile, the unrevealed sections, which are also the directions the future research, are proposed according to the objective result and rational inference. Further effort should be taken to reveal the underlying mechanism and develop novel therapeutic pathways for the relevant diseases.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Espaço Epidural
/
Lipomatose
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Connect Tissue Res
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
China