Mini-Review: The Contribution of Adipokines to Joint Inflammation in Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) are complex disorders characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints and related skeletal structures. The most common forms of IRD are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA), including axial SpA (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Obesity is a frequent comorbidity in RA and PsA, and to a lesser extend in axial SpA. The association between obesity and IRD may be explained by the release from fat tissue of several bioactive proteins, namely adipokines. Adipokines are involved in the regulation of various processes such as lipid or glucose metabolism, but also inflammation. Adipokines are interrelated with the immune system, with both innate and adaptive immune cell connections. Several adipokines with pro-inflammatory effects have been identified such as leptin, visfatin or resistin. Conversely, adiponectin and more specifically its low molecular weight isoform, is considered to have antiinflammatory properties. In this review, we discuss the contribution of adipokines to the joint inflammation of IRD, the relation they have with immune pathways of these diseases, their links with the structural impact on peripheral joints and/or axial skeleton, and also the influence they may have on the cardiometabolic risk of IRD.

Emerging role of leptin in joint inflammation and destruction

“…For instance, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1b play major roles in joint inflammation, and biological agents against these molecules have been developed in the field of RA therapy [1]. Adipokines are multifunctional signal transduction molecules, and their relationship with osteoimmunology has attracted attention in recent years [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. In this review, we discuss the role and contribution of leptin, one of the best-characterized adipokines, in the pathogenesis of RA.…”

Resistin Expression Is Associated With Interstitial Lung Disease in Dermatomyositis

“…Similarly, compared with HCs or patients with osteoarthritis, serum resistin levels were increased in patients with RA and positively correlated with inflammatory markers such as ESR, CRP, and disease activity, which determined by measuring disease activity score 28 values. These studies indicated that resistin play a role in the regulation of inflammatory processes in RA ( 10 , 24 ). Baker et al revealed that serum resistin levels were increased in patients with SLE than in control subjects, and higher resistin levels were positively correlated with renal insufficiency, inflammatory markers, and disease damage ( 12 ).…”

“…Previous studies have revealed that resistin levels were elevated in the synovial fluid of patients with RA and were positively associated with RA disease activity and joint damage ( 10 ). Similarly, compared with HCs or patients with osteoarthritis, serum resistin levels were increased in patients with RA and positively correlated with inflammatory markers such as ESR, CRP, and disease activity, which determined by measuring disease activity score 28 values.…”

“…Resistin is mainly expressed by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), macrophages, and myeloid cells ( 9 ). Resistin is associated with many inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and systemic sclerosis ( 10 – 12 ). Previous studies have shown that resistin can act as a pro-inflammatory cytokine.…”

Stem Cells in Autologous Microfragmented Adipose Tissue: Current Perspectives in Osteoarthritis Disease

“…Adipose tissue may be considered an organ [ 30 ] owing to its ability in secreting cytokines, interleukins, growth factors and adipokines. Such growth factors are present in synovial fluid [ 31 ] and can determine the metabolism of cartilage and synovium [ 32 ]. In particular, leptin and adiponectin are adipokines secreted in large quantities only by adipose tissue, but found also in the synovial fluid.…”