• FGF8 promotes lipid droplet accumulation in chondrocytes by upregulating perilipin1 (Plin1) expression.
• FGF8 activates the FGFR1/p-p38 signaling axis to enhance lipid droplet accumulation.
• siRNA and inhibitor experiments confirm the critical role of the FGFR1/p38 pathway in FGF8-induced lipid droplet formation.
• These findings provide new insights into cartilage lipid metabolism and potential therapeutic targets for cartilage-related diseases.