Objective:

To analyze the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in osteoarthritis knee joint fat pad in relation to the subcutaneous fat of the thigh.

Material and methods:

We performed a study of fat of the knee joint adipose affected of osteoarthritis and subcutaneous fat of the thigh of the same side to the greater distance of the joint in six patients with severe gonarthrosis, with a mean age of 68 years (range: 55-81 years). From the fat samples the progenitor mesenchymal cells were obtained. The supernatants of mesenchymal cells obtained to analyze inflammatory factors (IL-1b, IL6, IL9, IL1ra, IL12, IL13, IL15) and angiogenic (VEGF, PDGF bb) and immunomodulatory cytokines (IP-10 and INF-γ) means of two samples.

Results:

Quantitative analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in IL-1b, IL6, IL8, IL9, IL1ra, IL12, IL13 and increase of IL15 in Hoffa fat pad versus subcutaneous adipose tissue. Likewise, the analysis of angiogenic factors such as VEGF and PDGF, as well as factors IP-10 and INF-γ presented a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in Hoffa fat pad versus subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Discussion:

Mesenchymal cells from the adipose tissue of the severe osteoarthritic knee show a significant decrease in inflammatory cytokines even in the chronic state and a significant decrease in angiogenic factors and immunomodulatory cytokines (IP10 and INF).