The Adipokine Network in Rheumatic Joint Diseases

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Endocrinology
• Rheumatology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Rheumatic diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are chronic musculoskeletal disorders often involving immune and inflammatory processes.
• The neuroendocrine-immune network is crucial for homeostasis and implicated in various pathologies.
• Adipokines, mediators released by adipocytes and joint cells, modulate immune and inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the adipokine network's role in the pathophysiology of OA and RA.
• To highlight the immunomodulatory actions of both well-known and newly identified adipokines in rheumatic diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent findings on adipokines and their involvement in OA and RA.
• Analysis of the synthesis and modulatory properties of adipokines within the joint microenvironment.
• Discussion of the effects of specific adipokines (e.g., adiponectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin, progranulin, chemerin) on inflammation and disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• Adipokines are synthesized not only by adipocytes but also by cells within the joint, including synoviocytes, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes.
• Established adipokines like adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and visfatin have known effects on local and systemic inflammation.
• Emerging adipokines such as progranulin, chemerin, lipocalin-2, vaspin, omentin-1, and nesfatin demonstrate significant immunomodulatory actions relevant to rheumatic diseases.

Conclusions:

• The adipokine network is integral to the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Adipokines possess potent modulatory effects on immune cells and inflammatory processes within the joint.
• Further research into the specific roles of various adipokines may reveal novel therapeutic targets for rheumatic diseases.