| Popis: |
Osteoarthritis is a chronic and disabling disease with a high prevalence. Its treatment continues to be palliative due to the lack of knowledge of the factors that initiate the disease. An epidemiological association with obesity and the metabolic syndrome has been established, but the reasons that explain that association are unclear. Both metabolic and biomechanical factors have been found to be related to the onset of osteoarthritis in obese patients. Although both factors induce biochemical events that generate proinflammatory activity, which alters matrix metabolism, the metabolic factor is characterized by release of cytokines related to obesity and the metabolic syndrome, or to each one of its components such as, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, or hypertension. Articular cartilage may also produce some protective agents, which are decreased in osteoarthritis, and could be used for treatment. The balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators is the key factor in the onset, progression, and severity of osteoarthritis. Further research on the association between osteoarthritis, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome must be exhaustive in order to translate this knowledge into more effective therapeutic strategies. |
