Investigating how gut bacteria affect knee osteoarthritis through epigenetic changes
Official title: Cartilage Microbial Products as Novel Drivers of Knee Osteoarthritis Epigenetic Dysregulation
Funded at Oklahoma City VA Medical Center · NIH-10975940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002494-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing knee osteoarthritis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have knee osteoarthritis may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 VA Medical Center
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jeffries, Matlock — Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jeffries, Matlock
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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.