Obesity brings pro-inflammatory conditions to joint cells

It’s not just because of being overweight, because of the load problem, that obesity is bad for the joints.

Obesity and being overweight are identified as the main causes of wear and tear on joints, as they cause repeated trauma to the knee due to “overloading”. But that’s not the only reason obesity is bad for your joints: a recent studies found that it changes the environment within people’s joints, promoting pro-inflammatory conditions that worsen arthritis.

“Researchers have found that specific cells in the joint lining tissue (synovia) of patients with osteoarthritis are altered due to factors associated with obesity,” he explains. Marco Cortelazoorthopedic specialist in knee and sports traumatology, member of the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT).

According to the doctor, previous research has shown that adipose tissue that has been metabolically impaired by obesity releases proteins called cytokines and adipokines, known to promote inflammation throughout the body.

“This study, however, found that in cells taken from arthritic joint biopsies, obesity also alters the environment within the joint itself, leaving the joint cells vulnerable to being ‘transformed’ into those that promote inflammation,” adds the doctor. .

Obesity promotes destructive inflammation

Obesity could promote the kind of destructive joint inflammation that goes far beyond what is expected of wear and tear, as happens even in non-weight-bearing joints like the hands.

“But with this observation, we conclude that obesity is doubly harmful to the knees: due to excess weight and due to the inflammation generated within the joint,” emphasizes the doctor.

“Obesity is creating an environment in the body that is negatively affecting cells called synovial fibroblasts, which are stem cells involved in regulating joint lubricating fluid. Then, like bad apples in a barrel, they start affecting the entire joint, increasing the secretion of chemicals that degrade the joint and increase the progression of osteoarthritis,” he adds.

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Weight was not listed as the determining factor for affecting joint cells, leading to more inflammation, according to the research. The research team used information from biopsies of a variety of joints, including weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees, as well as the hands, to determine whether the additional physical strain on the joints associated with obesity was driving procytokines -inflammatory.

Results found that there were independent impacts of obesity on weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing joints and that among 16 patients with a BMI greater than 30, weight alone was not responsible for the molecular changes in these joints.

“This study provides further evidence that osteoarthritis is not only inevitable ‘wear and tear’ but the result of complex and diverse biochemical changes in the joint. Research has revealed that obesity can lead to a change in the cells lining the joint to make them more inflammatory, and that these changes occur not only in weight-bearing joints such as the knee and hip, but non-weight-bearing joints as well. like a hand,” explains the doctor.

The researchers believe the findings add to our understanding of what can cause osteoarthritis, moving us closer to discovering more effective treatments in the future.

“But we must also address the metabolic problem, encouraging the patient to adopt new lifestyle habits”, concludes the doctor.

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Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.