Lymphangiogenesis in aortic valve stenosis-Novel regulatory roles for valvular myofibroblasts and mast cells

► Lympatic vessels can be found in human stenotic aortic valves. ► Lymphangiogenic growth factors VEGF-C and VEGF-D are locally produced. ► Myofibroblasts and endothelial cells are their possible sources in aortic valves. ► Mast cells can both induce the expression of VEGF-C and degrade the protein. ► Imbalance between lymphatic and blood vessels may promote disease progression.