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Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

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Intestinal microbiome composition and its relation to joint pain and inflammation

Cindy G Boer1, Djawad Radjabzadeh1, Carolina Medina-Gomez1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Nature Communications
|October 27, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Gut bacteria, specifically Streptococcus species, are linked to osteoarthritis knee pain. This discovery suggests the gut microbiome may be a new target for treating osteoarthritis pain.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Immunology
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Macrophage-mediated inflammation is implicated in osteoarthritis (OA) pain and severity.
  • The gastrointestinal microbiome's endotoxins are hypothesized triggers for this inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between gastrointestinal microbiome composition and knee pain in osteoarthritis.
  • To explore the role of Streptococcus species in osteoarthritis-related knee pain.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the Rotterdam Study, a large population-based cohort.
  • Validation using absolute quantification of Streptococcus species.
  • Replication in the Lifelines-DEEP study cohort (867 Caucasian adults).

Main Results:

  • Increased abundance of Streptococcus species in the gut microbiome is significantly associated with greater knee pain.
  • This association was validated and replicated across independent cohorts.
  • Evidence suggests local knee joint inflammation mediates the link between Streptococcus and pain.

Conclusions:

  • The gut microbiome, particularly Streptococcus species, is a potential therapeutic target for osteoarthritis-related knee pain.
  • Targeting the gut microbiome may offer novel strategies for managing OA pain.

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