Why Knee Arthritis Affects Men and Women Differently with Age
Official title: Sex Dimorphism in Age-Related Knee Osteoarthritis
Funded at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital · NIH-11191563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores why knee arthritis often affects older women more severely than men, looking at genetic and hormonal factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlestown, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $559,603 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG089455-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11191563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research focuses on understanding the underlying causes of age-related knee osteoarthritis, particularly the differences between sexes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose knee pain is not related to age-related osteoarthritis or sex-specific factors may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
What this research studies
We know that knee arthritis, or osteoarthritis, often gets worse for women as they get older, but we don't fully understand why. This project aims to uncover if these differences are due to genetics, hormones, or a combination of both. Researchers will look closely at the tiny environment around cartilage cells, including fluids and the stiffness of surrounding tissues, to see how these factors contribute to arthritis development. They will use innovative lab models and advanced computer analysis to understand these complex interactions in both men and women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new ways to prevent or treat knee osteoarthritis, especially for women.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of sex- and age-dependent KOA pathogenesis are still being clarified, previous research has highlighted sex differences in osteoarthritis prevalence and severity.
Where this research is happening
-
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Charlestown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ambrosio, Fabrisia — Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ambrosio, Fabrisia
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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.