Wondering if anyone else has a history of lipomas and if this might be related to AF. I seem to have inherited a predisposition to developing lipomas and these may be related to insults. My lipomas are on my arms, my torso, and my thighs, just like my dad’s. For example, where I have had blood drawn on my arm I have scar tissue that looks like a lipoma. Just thinking that this may be a heads up for anyone considering TKR — If I were armed with this kind of information prior to necessary TKR surgery, I would find a good AF surgeon!!
top of page
bottom of page
Thanks, I’ll give that to my dr.
There are a number of papers citing HMGA2, one is Mejia Granados, D. M., de Baptista, M. B., Bonadia, L. C., Bertuzzo, C. S. & Steiner, C. E. Clinical and Molecular Investigation of Familial Multiple Lipomatosis: Variants in the HMGA2 Gene. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 13, 1-10 (2020). https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S213139
I hope that helps,
Kayley
Hi,
This is a great question! I don’t know much about lipomas so I’ve had a quick look at the scientific literature. For those who have not come across them, lipomas are benign fatty lumps under the skin. Here are some quotes from papers:
“Lipomas are defined as a common subcutaneous tumor composed of adipose (fat) cells, often encapsulated by a thin layer of fibrous tissue…(although usually under the skin) they can be intramuscular and intermuscular lipoma, lipomatosis of nerve, lipoma of the tendon sheath and joint.”
“frequently, patients may have more than one lipoma, and occasionally they may have a genetic condition resulting in multiple lipoma”.
There are different variants. “fibrolipoma is a rare lipoma variant featuring prominent fibrotic areas”.
“Genetic variation mostly involving the HMGA2 gene. Hmga2 enhances the activation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1).”
So, while there is no established link with arthrofibrosis, if you have the HMGA2 gene variant this could, in theory, make you susceptible to arthrofibrosis. TGF-β1 is the key growth factor involved in fibrosis pathology. A compound called emodin in rhubarb has been reported to downregulate the HMGA2 gene. I understand that emodin is a commonly used drug, especially for heart conditions, so it might be possible to get it prescribed it off label. I'll be interested in reading more about this compound to see if it could be useful in treating arthrofibrosis.
Kayley