Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine
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Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is an uncommon lung disease primarily affecting women of childbearing age. It is characterized by the progressive proliferating and infiltrating smooth musclelike cells (lymphangioleiomyomatosis cells), which lead to the cystic destruction of the lung parenchyma; obstruction of airways, blood vessels, and lymphatics; and loss of pulmonary function. ⋯ Somatic or genetic mutations of tumor suppressor genes tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) 1 or TSC2 are closely related to lymphangioleiomyomatosis. The TSC1/TSC2 protein-related signaling pathways are involved in the pathogenesis and may provide novel therapeutic targets for lymphangioleiomyomatosis and diseases associated with TSC1 / TSC2 dysfunction.