Understanding the Gut's Role in Multiple Joint Osteoarthritis
Is the gut important in multiple joint osteoarthritis? A multimodal investigation in humans and pet dogs
This research explores if a 'leaky gut' contributes to the development and worsening of osteoarthritis in multiple joints for both people and pet dogs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105784 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into whether increased intestinal permeability, often called 'leaky gut,' directly causes or worsens osteoarthritis in more than one joint. This condition, known as multi-joint osteoarthritis (MJOA), is common but not well understood, and it can lead to increased pain and disability. Our team is using information from a large group of human patients and also studying pet dogs with naturally occurring MJOA, as their condition progresses similarly but faster than in humans. We believe that inflammation from the gut, possibly due to microbial products, might be a key factor in how MJOA develops and progresses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals living with multiple joint osteoarthritis.
Not a fit: Patients without multiple joint osteoarthritis or those not interested in the gut's role in their condition may not find direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat multi-joint osteoarthritis by targeting gut health.
How similar studies have performed: While the direct link between gut permeability and multi-joint osteoarthritis is a novel focus, previous work has shown connections between inflammatory markers and overall osteoarthritis burden.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Amanda E — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Amanda E
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 below.