Metabolic syndrome and osteoarthritis: Possible mechanisms and management strategies

Osteoarthritis (OA) is mostly considered not a simple cartilage degradation, but a whole joint disorder, with all the joint components involved, such as subchondral bone, synovium and adhesive ligaments/muscles. Moreover, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and OA are both share a low-grade inflammatory state, and an increasing number of studies have found correlations between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and OA. Their correlations imply that OA might not be a simple joint disorder, but also be affected by MetS. MetS is characterized by a series of risk factors, including hypertension, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, obesity. However, the findings of some studies didn't agree with the above correlation between MetS and OA, partly due to complexity of MetS. This review summarizes the correlation between different factors of MetS and OA and the strategic methods for managing MetS-related OA. Possible mechanisms by which each MetS factor is involved in OA onset and progression are reviewed. This work might help better understand OA and inspire new ideas for preventing and treating OA.