Article: Hernandez, CJ; “The Microbiome and Bone and Joint Disease”, Current Rheumatology Reports, 19 (12)
Abstract: Purpose of Review Changes in the constituents and activity of the microbiome have been associated with a number of conditions linked to bone and joint disease. This review concentrates on ways in which the microbiome is known to influence osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Recent Findings Animal studies have demonstrated that changes in the microbiome can mediate the effects of obesity on cartilage degeneration.
Additionally, the microbiome influences the amount of the bone (bone quantity), as well as bone tissue material properties (bone quality).
Early clinical findings support the effects of the microbiome on osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Summary Although animal studies implicate the microbiome in the development of bone and joint disease, available results are limited and can be conflicting. Further investigation of the mechanisms linking from changes in the microbiome to alterations in the bones and joints are necessary.
Funding Acknowledgement: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (U.S) [AR068061, AR071534]; Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs through the office of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) [W81XWH-15-1-0239]
Funding Text: This publication was supported in part by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (U.S) under Award Numbers AR068061 and AR071534 and by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs through the office of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) under Award Number W81XWH-15-1-0239. The content of the work is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or the Department of Defense.