Degenerative joint disease: a new cartilage marker

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to quantity COMP level in serum of patients with newly developed and late OA in attempt to the prognostic value of its serum measurement as a new cartilage marker. The study was carried out on thirty patients with OA diagnosed according to ARA criteria subdivided into 2 groups [IA and IB] representing early and late OA, and twenty healthy normal individuals as controls [II]. group IA, IB and II were subject to clinical evaluation, routine investigations and determination of serum Ca, phosphorus. uric acid, RF, and X-ray of the affected joints. COMP level estimation in serum was done to all patients and controls Serum concentration of COMP ranged from 1.53-2.1 microg/ml, 2.18-2.65 microg/ml, and -2.65 3.02 microg/ml in the control group, group IA and IB respectively. COMP serum levels is significantly increased in GIA and IB than control [p < 0001]. Also, the comparison is significant between IA and IB patients [p < 0.001] For uric acid, Ca, and phosphorus no difference could be demonstrated between IA and IB. Serum level of COMP is significantly higher in late OA, than early cases, yet both groups are higher than control. The determination of serum COMP may be tried as indicative of therapy in OA cases especially when using chondroprotective therapeutic agents