Identifying molecular mechanisms underlying pain relief response to physiotherapy in people with osteoarthritis

A research study aimed at understanding how exercise reduces pain in people with knee osteoarthritis and why sometimes it doesn’t work. Specifically, the project will investigate

which inflammation related proteins are involved in pain relief resulting from doing physiotherapy exercises, if autoantibodies involved in high pain sensitivity reduce the efficacy of physiotherapy and finally, if the way a person's joints and muscles work together are involved in pain relief.

 

Role of the gut microbiome in the inflammatory response to trauma in the elderly

The project aims to assess what are the differences in acute inflammatory responses present in elderly frail individuals compared to the response in non-frail young individuals to bone fractures. In addition to investigate to what extent these inflammatory responses are modulated by the gut microbiome. The outcomes will help dissect the links between gut microbiome and inflammatory response in the elderly compared to the young and identify the specific pathways modulated by the gut microbiome responsible for complicated recovery and mortality after a fragility fractures.

 

Dietary intervention studies on gut microbiome and metabolic health (dietary fibres and synbiotics)

These include a 4- week randomised controlled intervention study aimed at investigating the effect of consuming pectin fibre on gut microbiome composition, function and systemic inflammation. In addition, we are also carrying out a 6-week placebo controlled dietary intervention focussed on the effects of a synbiotic (kefir and prebiotic fibre mix) on gut microbiome and metabolic health. The project is in collaboration with Chuckling Goat (manufacturers of kefir and prebiotic mix used in the study).

Molecular signatures of endocannabinoid induced pain relief in humans: lifestyle interventions, systemic and localised changes (INSPIRE)

A 6-week randomised controlled intervention study aimed at investigating the effect of consuming a common plant derived dietary fibre or performing simple exercise on alleviating pain in individuals suffering from chronic knee pain. In addition, the study will investigate the effects of diet and exercise on compounds called endocannabinoids (i.e. cannabis like substances produced by your own body) and the effect these substances have on improving knee pain.

 

Academic Orthopaedics,
C floor West Block,
University of Nottingham,
Queens Medical Centre,
Derby Road, Nottingham NG7 2UHk

Academic Rheumatology Clinical Sciences Building
Nottingham City Hospital
Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB