Lipid metabolism disorders and osteoarthritis progression: Potential intervention with plant active ingredients

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive articular cartilage destruction, subchondral bone alterations, and localized inflammation. With global population aging, the prevalence of OA continues to rise, imposing a substantial social and economic burden. In recent years, lipid metabolism disorders have been identified as key contributors to the development and progression of OA. Adipose tissue functions not only as an energy reservoir but also as an endocrine organ that regulates immune responses, inflammation, and cartilage degradation through the secretion of adipokines (e.g., leptin and lipocalin). Abnormal fatty acid metabolism, particularly the imbalance between fatty acid synthesis and catabolism and the dysregulated secretion of adipokines, is closely associated with OA pathogenesis. Bioactive phytochemicals are increasingly recognized as promising therapeutic agents for regulating lipid metabolism and slowing OA progression, due to their favorable biological activity and low toxicity. This review summarizes the relationship between lipid metabolism disorders and OA, highlights the mechanisms by which representative phytochemicals (e.g., curcumin, green tea polyphenols, and resveratrol) regulate lipid metabolism and attenuate OA progression, and further analyzes the endocrine role of adipose tissue, the impact of fatty acid metabolism on OA, and the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals through lipid metabolism modulation.