Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
06:06
Tissue Collection and RNA Extraction from the Human Osteoarthritic Knee Joint
Published on: July 22, 2021
The gut-joint axis in osteoarthritis.
Jie Wei1,2,3,4, Yuqing Zhang5,6, Cen Xie7
1Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Nature Reviews. Rheumatology
|May 7, 2026
Summary
Gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to osteoarthritis (OA) by disrupting the gut-joint axis. Targeting this axis offers potential for new OA treatments, but more research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex degenerative joint disease with limited disease-modifying treatments.
- Emerging research highlights the gut-joint axis, implicating gut microbiota dysbiosis in OA pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis.
- To explore the potential of targeting the gut-joint axis for novel OA therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the gut-joint axis in OA.
- Analysis of mechanisms linking gut dysbiosis to OA progression.
- Discussion of current limitations and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis can negatively impact gut barrier integrity, immune responses, and systemic inflammation.
- These disruptions facilitate the translocation of microbial products, promoting joint inflammation and OA.
- The gut-joint axis presents a novel paradigm for understanding and potentially treating OA.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis is a significant factor in OA development and progression.
- Targeting the gut-joint axis holds promise for developing disease-modifying OA treatments.
- Further research, including multi-omics and clinical validation, is crucial to translate these findings into effective therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Knee Joint
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
01:16Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. This fluid-filled space is where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Also, unlike fibrous or cartilaginous joints, the articulating bone surfaces at a synovial joint are not directly connected to each other with fibrous connective tissue or cartilage. This gives the bones of a synovial joint the ability to move smoothly...
01:10Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
01:09Functional Classification of Joints
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...
01:07Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...