Caracterización molecular de la osteoartritis de origen metabólicoefecto de los ácidos grasos palmítico y oleico en un modelo "in vitro" de condrocitos humanos

Abstract

The relationship between obesity and metabolic disorders with osteoarthritis (OA), regardless of mechanical overloading of the joint, suggests that systemic alterations derived from these pathologies, such as the increase in circulating levels of fatty acids (FA), could contribute to the development of OA. This thesis analysed the effects of Palmitic (PA) and Oleic (OL) acids, as major FA in diet and plasma, in an "in vitro" model of human chondrocytes. The results show that the PA produces effects highly related with OA such as an elevated expression of markers of degradation of cartilage, inflammation, as well as an increase of apoptosis and cellular oxidative stress. The study of cell metabolism indicates that PA generates an important mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as a lower glycolytic capacity, and a decrease of ATP levels. The OL is able to reverse these effects, showing a greater capacity of lipid droplets formation and facilitating the incorporation of the PA to these structures of reserve. These results may help explain one of the molecular mechanisms that strengthen the relationship between metabolic diseases and OA.