Investigating how metabolic syndrome affects knee meniscus healing
Official title: Multiscale mechano-metabolic regulation of fibrous tissue homeostasis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10997211 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how conditions like obesity can affect the healing of knee injuries, specifically meniscus tears, to help find better treatment options for people dealing with these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AR084906-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997211 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with meniscus tears, especially those who also have metabolic syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without meniscus injuries or those who do not have metabolic syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions like obesity and dyslipidemia, impacts the healing process of meniscus tears in the knee. It aims to explore the relationship between inflammatory signals from adipose tissue and the degeneration of cartilage following meniscal injuries. By using advanced experimental techniques, the study will assess how these metabolic factors influence the mechanical responses of meniscus cells, potentially leading to better treatment strategies for knee injuries. Patients with meniscus tears may benefit from insights gained regarding their healing processes and the role of metabolic health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for knee injuries, particularly for patients with metabolic syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that metabolic factors can influence joint health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kupratis, Meghan Elizabeth — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kupratis, Meghan Elizabeth
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.