The Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Dercum's Disease: Exploring the Intersection of Obesity, Pain, and Inflammation

Obesity is increasingly recognized not only as a metabolic disorder, but also as a state of chronic low-grade inflammation that predisposes to systemic complications. Within this context, Dercum's disease (DD), or adiposis dolorosa, emerges as a rare yet debilitating disorder characterized by painful subcutaneous lipomas, most commonly affecting middle-aged women. Despite its clinical impact, DD remains underdiagnosed and is often misclassified as lipedema, fibromyalgia, or lipomatosis, complicating prevalence estimates and hindering the development of targeted interventions. Current evidence suggests that DD represents a distinctive model of inflammatory obesity, where adipose tissue actively contributes to pain generation rather than serving as a passive fat reservoir. Histological and molecular findings point to adipose tissue dysfunction, immune cell infiltration, and elevated secretion of pro-inflammatory adipokines, signals which appear to fuel systemic low-grade inflammation, perineural immune interactions, and nociceptor sensitization. Peripheral mechanisms further shape the clinical phenotype. While familial clustering suggests possible genetic contributions, no definitive markers have been identified, and the role of obesity-induced epigenetic modifications remains unexplored. Therapeutic strategies remain largely symptomatic, including analgesics, antidepressants, physical rehabilitation, and surgical excision of lipomas, whereas molecularly targeted and diet-based interventions are still experimental. This article discusses the pathophysiology of DD, current treatments, and future perspectives, emphasizing that advancing patient registries, omics-based analyses, and interdisciplinary clinical trials will be crucial to elucidate disease mechanisms and guide novel therapies. Improved understanding of DD may not only enhance patient care, but also provide broader insights into the interplay between obesity, inflammation, and chronic pain.