Applications of Lipidomics to Age-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

Purpose of Review The goal of this review is to highlight the need for new biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, especially osteoporosis and sarcopenia. These conditions are characterized by loss of bone and muscle mass, respectively, leading to functional deterioration and the development of disabilities. Advances in high-resolution lipidomics platforms are being used to help identify new lipid biomarkers for these diseases. Recent Findings It is now well established that bone and muscle have important endocrine functions, including the release of bioactive factors in response to mechanical and biochemical stimuli. Bioactive lipids are a prominent set of these factors and some of these lipids are directly related to the mass and function of bone and muscle. Recent lipidomics studies have shown significant dysregulation of lipids in aged muscle and bone, including alterations in diacylglycerols and ceramides. Studies have shown that alterations in some types of plasma lipids are associated with aging including reduced bone mineral density and the occurrence of osteoporosis. Summary Musculoskeletal disorders are a major burden in our society, especially for older adults. The development and application of new lipidomics methods is making significant advances in identifying new biomarkers for these diseases. These studies will not only lead to improved detection, but new mechanistic insights that could lead to new therapeutic targets and interventions.

A potential correlation between adipokines, skeletal muscle function and bone mineral density in middle-aged and elderly individuals

“…By utilizing bioinformatics methods, we identified that LEP, ADIPQO, RBP4 and DPP4 are associated with decreased skeletal muscle function. This discovery reinforces the conclusion that increased adipokine levels may have adverse effects on the physiological function of skeletal muscles [ 28 , 29 ]. Relationships between adipokines, skeletal muscle and bone metabolism are intricate.…”

Causal relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and bone mineral density: a Mendelian randomization study in an East Asian population

“…Among them, diacylglycerol (DAG) metabolic process and regulation of Notch signaling pathway might be remarkable. Recent lipidomics studies have shown significant dysregulation of lipids in aging-related bone mineral density loss and the occurrence of osteoporosis, including alterations in DAG [ 61 , 62 ]. In response to stimulations, activated phospholipase C (PLC) hydrolyzes PIP2 to DAG.…”

Phospholipases and Reactive Oxygen Species Derived Lipid Biomarkers in Healthy and Diseased Humans and Animals – A Focus on Lysophosphatidylcholine

“…It is known that lipids play a role in lifespan regulation and age-related diseases ( de Diego et al, 2019 ). Very recently, the use of lipidomics to age-related musculoskeletal disorders was reviewed ( Mo et al, 2021 ). Siddharth et al (2017) monitored changes of serum lipids in aged mice with a sarcopenic phenotype and found that levels of LPC 20:5 and LPC 20:3 were reduced – although an explanation of the occurrence of these unusual fatty acids was not provided.…”