Investigating if bile acids can predict the progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Official title: Can circulating bile acids predict knee OA progression?
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10811585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain substances in your blood, called bile acids, might help us predict how knee osteoarthritis could get worse, especially for those dealing with inflammation from things like obesity or gut health, so we can better understand who might need extra support as their symptoms change over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $168,839 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR082029-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, particularly those with obesity or inflammation-related symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without knee osteoarthritis or those with other forms of arthritis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential of circulating bile acids as biomarkers to predict the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). It focuses on understanding how low-grade inflammation, influenced by factors like obesity and gut microbiota, may affect OA severity. By analyzing the relationship between bile acids and OA progression, the study aims to identify individuals at risk for worsening symptoms. Patients will be monitored for changes in their bile acid levels and corresponding OA symptoms over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new predictive tools for identifying patients at risk of worsening knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using biomarkers to predict disease progression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guma, Monica — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Guma, Monica
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.