Fat and bone: the multiperspective analysis of a close relationship

Area of Science:

• Bone biology and metabolism
• Medical imaging and radiology
• Endocrinology and metabolic disorders

Background:

• Historically, bone research focused on its mineralized structure, overlooking its active endocrine and paracrine functions.
• Bone marrow contains adipocytes, forming marrow adipose tissue (MAT), which influences bone homeostasis and systemic metabolism.
• MAT's role in metabolic disorders like osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes is complex and requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the physiological role of MAT in skeletal health, aging, and metabolic disorders.
• To highlight the contribution of advanced imaging methods in quantifying and diagnosing MAT-related conditions.
• To bridge the understanding between classical bone assessment and the emerging role of bone marrow adiposity.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on MAT and its functions.
• Analysis of the impact of imaging technologies, particularly magnetic resonance (MR) techniques.
• Exploration of the quantification and diagnostic capabilities of advanced imaging for MAT.

Main Results:

• MAT is an active endocrine and paracrine tissue, not merely storage.
• MAT significantly influences skeletal health, aging processes, and metabolic disease progression.
• Advanced MR imaging enables non-invasive characterization and quantification of bone marrow components.

Conclusions:

• MAT is integral to bone health and systemic metabolism, with implications for aging and disease.
• Imaging advancements are crucial for understanding and diagnosing MAT-related pathologies.
• Further research into MAT's role is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies.