Alcohol-related blood markers and knee osteoarthritis risk
Metabolomic Signatures of Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT · NIH-11310808
This project will use alcohol-related blood metabolites in adults to find links between drinking patterns and future knee osteoarthritis risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11310808 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will analyze blood metabolites that reflect alcohol use and compare those patterns with knee X-rays and symptoms over time. They plan to use metabolomics to measure many small molecules so alcohol exposure is captured more accurately than by self-report. The team will work with samples and follow-up data from a large U.S. knee osteoarthritis cohort to look for metabolite signatures tied to new or worsening knee OA. This approach aims to reduce measurement error and clarify how alcohol-related biology may affect knee joint health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older with varying levels of alcohol use, especially those with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis, are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People who never drink alcohol, those without knee joint issues, or those with end-stage knee OA who already had knee replacement are less likely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more accurate blood tests of alcohol exposure and help identify people at higher risk for knee osteoarthritis earlier.
How similar studies have performed: Some cohort studies have suggested links between heavier drinking and higher knee OA risk, but using metabolomics to measure alcohol exposure and predict OA is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT — FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LU, BING — UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT
- Study coordinator: LU, BING
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.