Investigating how fat affects osteoarthritis
The Role of Fat in Osteoarthritis
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-10899616
This study is looking at how extra body fat might affect osteoarthritis, a common cause of joint pain, by using special mice that have OA but no fat; the researchers want to find out how fat and its chemicals impact joint health and hope to develop new treatments that could help people with OA, especially those who are overweight.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10899616 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between excess fat and osteoarthritis (OA), a leading cause of pain and disability. Using a mouse model that lacks fat but shows OA symptoms, the study aims to understand how adipose tissue and the substances it releases, called adipokines, contribute to joint degeneration. By creating bioengineered adipose implants from stem cells, the researchers hope to dissect the signaling pathways involved in OA and identify potential therapeutic targets. This approach could lead to new insights into how obesity influences OA and pave the way for innovative treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, particularly those with obesity-related complications.
Not a fit: Patients without osteoarthritis or those whose condition is unrelated to adipose tissue may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that modify the disease process of osteoarthritis, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that targeting adipose tissue and its secretions may have therapeutic potential in managing osteoarthritis, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COLLINS, KELSEY HELEN-MARIE — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: COLLINS, KELSEY HELEN-MARIE
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.