Developing Computational Geometry and Network Graph Models of Human Lymphatic System

Abstract

Abstract:The lymphatic system is a body-wide network of lymphatic vessels and lymphoid organs. The complexity of the structural and functional organization of the lymphatic system implies the necessity of using computational modeling approaches to unravel the mechanisms of its regulation in quantitative terms. Although it is a vital part of the circulatory and immune systems, the lymphatic system remains poorly investigated as a mathematical modeling object. Modeling of the lymphatic vessel network needs to be established using a systematic approach in order to advance the model-driven research of this important physiological system. In our study, we elucidate key general features underlying the 3D structural organization of the lymphatic system in order to develop computational geometry and network graph models of the human lymphatic system based on available anatomical data (from the PlasticBoy project), which provides an estimate of the structure of the lymphatic system, and to analyze the topological properties of the resulting models.

Mathematical Modelling of the Structure and Function of the Lymphatic System

“…The algorithm of automatic construction of a graph of the LS is suggested in [65]. The data from the Plastic Boy project [66] is used as a source of anatomical structure.…”

“…The approach used to construct a spatially oriented graph in [65] requires source images to contain information about both lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. Another approach is used to create a graph in [40].…”

“…The thoracic duct and its feeders are presented, and other parts have less detailed descriptions. (b) The graph from[65], reprinted with permission. The graph contains the majority of vessels presented in the anatomical model.…”

Integrative Computational Modeling of the Lymph Node Stromal Cell Landscape

“…The model predicted high robustness of the conduit system, with 60–90% elimination of conduits required to halt the lymph flux. Moreover, computational simulations of lymph flow can be expanded on larger spatial scales by modeling the entire human lymphatic system interconnected between hundreds of LNs ( 84 ).…”

Graph Theory for Modeling and Analysis of the Human Lymphatic System

“…Its structure and functioning are critical to immunity by transporting the immune cells and antigens [1] and maintaining the fluid balance in tissues [2]. Currently, there are only a few studies considering the spatial structure of the human lymphatic system in terms of the network models [3][4][5] . The mathematical properties of the HLS network remain poorly investigated.…”