Proteomics of hip arthritis in femoroacetabular impingement
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating proteomic changes and molecular pathways in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and development of secondary osteoarthritis in a UK young adult population
IRAS ID
327324
Contact name
William Cawley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common hip condition that causes pain and limited function in young adults. FAI involves abnormal hip joint shape that leads to cartilage damage, potentially resulting in early-onset osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. Despite advancements in diagnosis and management, the underlying mechanisms and disease progression from FAI to hip OA are not well understood. Recent studies suggest that differences in gene expression as FAI progresses to OA may contribute to the development and progression of these conditions. Further research is needed to explore the specific differences in gene expression in young adults with FAI and their role in disease progression to hip OA.
This research aims to investigate the protein expression changes in the hips of young adults with FAI and in hips where the disease has progressed to OA, by collecting and comparing cartilage and synovium samples from these patient cohorts. The project will focus on identifying protein expression patterns associated with the development and progression of FAI and their relationship to secondary OA of the hip. The findings of this research will enhance our understanding of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying FAI and disease progression to OA in young adults. We will also compare samples from FAI patients with OA to patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip and OA to assess if the changes seen as FAI progresses are unique to FAI. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that have the potential to improve outcomes for patients affected by these conditions in the future.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0149
Date of REC Opinion
15 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion