Investigating if bile acids can predict the progression of knee osteoarthritis.

Can circulating bile acids predict knee OA progression?

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10811585

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10811585 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, particularly those with obesity or inflammation-related symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients without knee osteoarthritis or those with other forms of arthritis may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

La Jolla, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.