Characterization of Bone Marrow Adipocytes in Osteoarthritic and Post-menopausal Patients: a Comparative Study With Adipocytes From Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

Obesity and other associated complications promote the development and the progression of osteoarthritis. The subcutaneous and abdominal fat release several factors that alter bone and the cartilage. The role of the marrow fat in close connection with bone has not been defined yet, whereas cellular and animal models indicate that this fat depot modifies bone and cartilage. The aim of the study is to define if the marrow fat produces more joint-altering factors by comparison with subcutaneous fat. This fat depot can be characterized from removed pieces during the prosthetic surgery of the knee. Measuring before surgery the body weight, waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure, glucose, insulin and lipids in blood will also allow to determine if obesity and/or type 2 diabetes make this fat more dangerous for the joint. Such research will allow the elaboration of new therapeutic strategies in osteoarthritis.