Growth Hormone's Role in Osteoarthritis
Official title: Growth hormone regulating chondrocyte metabolism for osteoarthritis development
Funded at Ohio University Athens · NIH-11094154 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how growth hormone affects joint cells, aiming to understand its connection to osteoarthritis in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio University Athens NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $473,983 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081804-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094154 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant for older adults experiencing or at risk of osteoarthritis, particularly those considering or receiving growth hormone therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose osteoarthritis is not related to growth hormone metabolism may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
What this research studies
Many older adults experience osteoarthritis, a condition without treatments that can stop its progression. While growth hormone is approved for certain conditions, its levels naturally decrease with age, and some people consider using it to counter aging effects. However, too much growth hormone or long-term use has been linked to joint problems and pain. This project looks into the specific ways growth hormone might cause joint cell damage as we age. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to prevent or treat osteoarthritis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new interventions and therapeutic strategies to reduce the occurrence and impact of osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies in mice have shown that altering growth hormone levels can affect joint degeneration, suggesting a promising avenue for further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio University Athens
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Shouan — Ohio University Athens
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Shouan
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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.