To test the hypothesis that an altered gut microbiota (dysbiosis) plays a role in obesity-associated osteoarthritis (OA).
Stool and blood samples were collected from 92 participants with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m
OA cases were slightly older with more females and higher BMI, WOMAC pain and KL grades than controls. There were no significant differences in alpha or beta diversity or genus level composition between cases and controls. Cases had higher plasma levels of osteopontin (p=0.01) and serum LPS (p<0.0001). Mice transplanted with case or control microbiota exhibited a significant difference in alpha diversity (p=0.02) and beta diversity but no differences in OA severity.
The lack of differences in the gut microbiota yet increased serum LPS levels suggest the possibility that increased intestinal permeability allowing for greater absorption of LPS, rather than a dysbiotic microbiota, may contribute to development of OA associated with obesity.