Investigating how gut bacteria affect knee osteoarthritis through epigenetic changes

Cartilage Microbial Products as Novel Drivers of Knee Osteoarthritis Epigenetic Dysregulation

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · OKLAHOMA CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-10975940

This study is looking at how changes in the bacteria in our gut, which can happen as we get older or gain weight, might affect knee osteoarthritis, and it’s for people with knee OA who are having surgery to replace their knee.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOKLAHOMA CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10975940 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to explore the relationship between changes in the gut microbiome due to age and obesity and their impact on knee osteoarthritis (OA). By analyzing samples from patients with OA and healthy individuals, the study will examine how these microbiome changes are reflected in the knee cartilage and other joint areas. The researchers will focus on understanding the epigenetic alterations that may arise from microbial influences, potentially leading to new insights into OA development and treatment. Patients undergoing total knee replacement will provide paired samples for this investigation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing knee osteoarthritis.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have knee osteoarthritis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating knee osteoarthritis by targeting the gut microbiome.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the gut microbiome's role in osteoarthritis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.