Therapeutic potentials and modulatory mechanisms of fatty acids in bone

Abstract

Bone metabolism is a lifelong process that includes bone formation and resorption. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are the predominant cell types associated with bone metabolism, which is facilitated by other cells such as bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), osteocytes and chondrocytes. As an important component in our daily diet, fatty acids are mainly categorized as long‐chain fatty acids including polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (LCMUFAs), saturated fatty acids (LCSFAs), medium‐/short‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs/SCFAs) as well as their metabolites. Fatty acids are closely associated with bone metabolism and associated bone disorders. In this review, we summarized the important roles and potential therapeutic implications of fatty acids in multiple bone disorders, reviewed the diverse range of critical effects displayed by fatty acids on bone metabolism, and elucidated their modulatory roles and mechanisms on specific bone cell types. The evidence supporting close implications of fatty acids in bone metabolism and disorders suggests fatty acids as potential therapeutic and nutritional agents for the treatment and prevention of metabolic bone diseases.

Vegan Diet and Bone Health—Results from the Cross-Sectional RBVD Study

“…The n-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are suggested to stimulate osteoblast survival, promote osteoblastogenesis, and prevent bone resorption by altering membrane function, regulating calcium balance, and enhancing osteoblast activity [ 36 ]. Furthermore, the involvement of EPA and DHA in preosteoblast differentiation and maturation was associated with their anti-inflammatory effects, i.e., reducing the synthesis of inflammatory PGE2 and modulating peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and lower levels of inflammatory cytokines, e.g., interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) [ 36 ]. Regarding bone health, a recent meta-analysis on observational studies noticed that a higher dietary intake of n-3 fatty acids was significantly associated with a lower risk of hip fracture [ 37 ].…”

Influence of Micronutrient Intake, Sociodemographic, and Behavioral Factors on Periodontal Status of Adults Assisted by a Public Health Care System in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Multivariate Analysis

“…It was found that RvE1 is effective in preventing and restoring bone loss in periodontitis [ 62 , 63 ]. Additionally, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as omega-3, exert osteoprotective functions (promoting the differentiation and activation of osteoblasts), while inhibiting osteoclast activities [ 64 ]. Indeed, a very recent study reported that adjunctive omega-3 and low-dose aspirin provided clinical and immunological benefits to the treatment of periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes after periodontal debridement [ 65 ].…”

Regulation of Osteoclast Differentiation and Activity by Lipid Metabolism

“…Fas are further categorized as long-chain fatty acids, which include polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (LCMUFAs), saturated fatty acids (LCSFAs), medium-/short-chain fatty acids (MCFAs/SCFAs) as well as their metabolites. These Fas are closely associated with bone health as well as bone disorders [ 71 ].…”