Role of Intestinal Microflora on Obesity-Associated Osteoarthritis Improved by Exercise

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative disease with joint pain, limb disorders and limited mobility which reduces the life quality of patients seriously. Obesity is an important factor in the induction of OA. In addition to the abrasion of local mechanical stress, the systemic factors gradually strengthened in the pathological process. Imbalance in intestinal microflora constitution could be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-induced OA. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may be an important trigger, which induces the abnormal expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal network promoting inflammation in OA. Physical exercise is commonly recommended for obesity-associated OA patients, but the working mechanism behind the positive effects on joint is a black box. we propose that intestinal microflora and LPS/TLR4 signaling pathway may be potential targets of exercise therapy for obesity-induced OA. Efforts to identify how those possible mediators work between exercise and obesity-induced OA will reveal new signalling mechanisms and present new strategies for treatment of OA.