On the pathogenesis of obesity-associated osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease that is initiated by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors (metabolic, mechanical, including traumatic), which leads to a violation of the properties of cartilage tissue with the subsequent spread of the pathological process to all structural elements of the joint and leads to the development of persistent inflammation. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common dystrophic-degenerative joint diseases, which occurs in 6.4–12.0% of the planet's population. The purpose of the study is to determine modern views on the peculiarities of the pathogenesis of obesity-associated osteoarthritis based on the study of literary sources. An analysis of literature sources was carried out by using the MEDLINE database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, EMBASE, Science Citation Index (Web of Science), Science direct and Scopus by searching: osteoarthritis, obesity, osteoarthritis associated with obesity. The subject of assessment is the pathogenetic relationship of these diseases. The mechanical factor in the development of osteoarthritis is a proven factor in general and in excess body weight in particular. Such a relationship is confirmed by many studies, and the content is that the mediator of the relationship between obesity and OA is biomechanical factors, which are implemented through the redistribution of increased body weight to the supporting joints. The use of modern technological research methods provides an opportunity to deepen the understanding of the complex molecular relationship between OA and obesity. Adipokines have the potential to identify an additional pathogenetic link in the development and progression of OA in obese patients, which forms a potentially new approach in the development and implementation of methods for the prevention and therapy of OA in obese patients. However, views on the correlations of adipokines with OA are quite different (direct, inverse, and even absent), which requires further study. Keywords: osteoarthritis, obesity, adipokinins, leptin, apodenectin, resistin.