Abdominal Obesity and the Interaction Between Adipocytes and Osteoblasts

Abstract The complex relationships between fat and bone mass have been subject of study and, despite obesity have always been considered as a protective factor against osteoporosis, there is increasing evidence that a high level of fat mass induces bone mineral loss. Studies from our group have confirmed this theory, showing an inverse correlation between trunk fat and bone mineral density. It is likely that this effect depends on the action of molecules named adipokines secreted by abdominal fat deposits. In fact, we do not consider fat tissue as an amorphous energy reserve anymore, but as a real endocrine organ, like the skeleton as well. Finally, adipocytes and osteoblasts originate from a common progenitor, a pluripotential mesenchymal stem cell, which can differentiate into adipocytes or osteoblasts. Based on recent insights, the aim of this study is to evaluate a possible cross talk between adipose tissue and bone tissue.