Recruiting

Understanding gut bacteria in spine arthritis patients and families

Plain-English translation of NCT06076083 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated November 2023 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Read our Ankylosing Spondylitis research guide →

What is this trial?

This research study is building a database to understand how gut bacteria (your microbiome) may be connected to ankylosing spondylitis, a condition that causes spine inflammation. Researchers will collect biological samples and health information from people living with this condition and their family members to study patterns that might explain why some people develop it and others don't.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine, but doctors don't yet fully understand what causes it or why it runs in families. Recent research suggests that the bacteria living in our digestive system may play a role, so this study aims to explore those connections and potentially discover new ways to understand and treat the disease.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis using established diagnostic criteria
you are between 19 and 60 years old (or 19 to 65 if you are a family member)
you are a primary family member (parent, sibling) of a participant with ankylosing spondylitis and have never had the condition
you live with the patient or family member you're enrolled with
you fully understand the study and voluntarily agree to participate

You likely don't qualify if…

you have taken antibiotics by mouth or injection in the past 3 months
you have taken probiotic supplements or functional foods in the past 3 months
you have a chronic medical condition significantly affecting your digestive system, liver, heart, kidneys, or immune system that is not well controlled
you have an active gastrointestinal disorder like inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome that is not medically managed
you have made drastic changes to your diet for rapid weight loss or gain in the past 4 weeks

What participation looks like

You will provide biological samples (such as stool and saliva samples) using standardized collection protocols and complete questionnaires about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. Researchers will then analyze these samples to study your gut bacteria and other biological markers, comparing patterns between people with the condition and family members without it. The study involves one or more visits to provide samples and information, with no ongoing medication or lifestyle changes required.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

South Korea

Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Kyungheedae-ro 23

Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Wangsimni-ro222-1