Abstract
Cartilage is an avascular tissue and cartilage metabolism depends on molecule diffusion from synovial fluid and subchondral bone. Thus, nutrient availability is limited by matrix permeability according to the size and charge of the molecules. Matrix composition limits the access of molecules to chondrocytes, determining cell metabolism and cartilage maintenance. Lipids are important nutrients in chondrocyte metabolism and are available for these cells through de novo synthesis but also through diffusion from surrounding tissues. Cartilage status and osteoarthritis development depend on lipid availability. This paper reviews lipid transport and metabolism in cartilage. We also analyze signalling pathways directly mediated by lipids and those that involve mTOR pathways, both in normal and osteoarthritic cartilage.
Highlights
Lipid content in cartilage has been studied for many years
In the 1960s, Stockwell found that lipids in articular cartilage account for 1%, this content was not modulated by age or sex [1]
While glucose is the main source of energy in chondrocytes [2], lipids in cartilage are necessary for cells as a source of energy and to be incorporated as structural components and signalling molecules
Summary
Lipid content in cartilage has been studied for many years. In the 1960s, Stockwell found that lipids in articular cartilage account for 1%, this content was not modulated by age or sex [1]. While glucose is the main source of energy in chondrocytes [2], lipids in cartilage are necessary for cells as a source of energy and to be incorporated as structural components and signalling molecules. Less is known about how these molecules can reach the chondrocytes and, once there, how lipids affect chondrocyte metabolism. Proteins necessary for fatty acid metabolism and cholesterol biosynthesis, such as acetyl-coenzyme. Cartilage is an avascular tissue, so lipids need to travel through its compact matrix reaching the cells, which represent only about 2%–5% of total tissue, for supplying the chondrocyte metabolism. To better understand the role of lipids in chondrocyte metabolism it is necessary to analyze how these molecules are supplied to chondrocytes and afterwards to study lipid effects on cell metabolism
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