Publication Date

Spring 5-2-2025

Document Type

Student Project

First Advisor

Saravanan, Anitha

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Department

School of Nursing

Abstract

Background – Gut microbiome impacts joint pain in osteoarthritis. Studies show the relationship between abundance and diversity of gut microbiome and pain. The objective of this study is to summarize the evidence on the effect of gut microbiome on pain.

Methods – Literature search was conducted through PubMed and CINAHL databases. Search terms include gut microbiome + joint pain. Articles that had terms joint pain, gut dysbiosis, or inflammation from the gut were included. Articles included information regarding abundance and diversity of the gut microbiome.

Results – 5 selected articles show the relationship between diversity and abundance in the gut microbiome and pain. The data showed high-fat and high-sugar diets increase pain. These diets cause dysbiosis of the gut by increasing the firmicutes/Bacteroidetes phyla ratio and lipopolysaccharide levels. This indicates inflammation, risk for synovitis, and increased joint pain. Increased streptococcus in the gut microbiome is associated with knee pain in osteoarthritis. Dysbiosis increases inflammatory markers to due to activating T cells. Dietary fiber, probiotics (lactobacillus), and cecal microbiome transplantation maintain homeostasis of the gut microbiome. This shows improvement in osteoarthritis. The articles are Level 3 evidence.

Recommendations – DNA sequencing can analyze the gut microbiome to identify a correlation between specific gut bacteria and joint pain. For example, increased streptococcus levels lead to knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Clinical trials can analyze the effect of microbiome-specific interventions like fecal microbiota transplantation and prebiotic/probiotic use.

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