Identification of biomarkers and immune infiltration characterization of lipid metabolism-associated genes in...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Immunology

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread degenerative joint disease causing significant disability, particularly in older adults.
• Current OA treatments are limited, and its underlying pathogenesis, especially the role of metabolic processes, remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of lipid metabolism-associated genes (LAGs) in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis.
• To identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for OA based on LAGs.
• To explore the relationship between immune infiltration and LAGs in OA.

Main Methods:

• Utilized public databases and machine learning algorithms (WGCNA, LASSO, RF).
• Performed immune infiltration analysis and pathway enrichment analysis.
• Conducted in vitro experiments: qRT-PCR, Western blot, lipid droplet analysis, and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation assays.

Main Results:

• Identified three novel biomarkers associated with lipid metabolism in OA.
• Evaluated the diagnostic value of these biomarkers in OA patients.
• Found significant correlations between immune cell infiltration and the identified biomarkers.
• Verified abnormal LAG expression and confirmed the link between lipid metabolism and OA in vitro.

Conclusions:

• Lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in OA pathogenesis.
• The identified LAGs serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for OA.
• Immune cell infiltration is intricately linked with metabolic dysregulation in OA, suggesting novel therapeutic targets.