Researchers from Duke University conducted a study on diagnosing osteoarthritis in the knee and found biomarkers in the blood that can predict the development of the condition. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain when the protective tissues in the joints break down. The study found that the biomarker test can predict osteoarthritis up to eight years earlier than the condition can be detected by X-ray. While there is no cure for OA, researchers are looking for enhanced treatment and early detection of the disease.
OA occurs when cartilage and other tissue in the joints begin degrading, leading to limited protection between bones and causing pain when they rub together. The CDC lists risk factors for developing OA, including injury to the joint, age, obesity, and genetics. Managing its progression can be done through weight loss, exercise, and medications such as NSAIDs. The recent study focused on early detection of OA by identifying blood serum biomarkers that can predict the development of OA in the knee before it shows up on X-rays. The researchers found that these biomarkers predicted OA development with 77% accuracy, superior to predictions using BMI or knee pain.
The researchers analyzed a cohort of 200 white women between the ages of 45 to 65 who did not report a history of certain conditions. Half of the group developed OA in their knees over a 10-year follow-up, while the other half was the control group. The study used blood samples and X-ray readings from participants in the Chingford 1,000 Women study. By testing serum samples from years 2 and 6, the researchers narrowed down to as few as six biomarkers that consistently predicted OA development. The genes linked to these biomarkers were active in the cartilage and synovium of the knee joint, indicating their importance in understanding OA.
While the study findings are promising, there are some weaknesses, such as a lack of diversity in terms of gender and race in the study sample. Additionally, the small sample size and biases inherent in the study design were noted as limitations by experts. Despite this, experts believe that early detection of OA is crucial and can help in introducing interventions to slow down the progression of the disease. The development of a blood test for predicting knee OA before structural damage appears on X-ray could provide an opportunity for early intervention and potentially slowing or halting the progression of the disease.
Experts emphasize the potential impact of this type of testing in the future of treating osteoarthritis. While these tests may not be readily available for use by the general public immediately, they hold promise for early diagnosis, treatment, and the development of therapeutics to interrupt the inflammatory process preceding clinical symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet and moderate exercise, has been linked to preventing and positively affecting many diseases, including osteoarthritis. Overall, the study findings offer hope for earlier diagnosis, treatment, and limiting complications associated with osteoarthritis, enhancing the future quality of life for millions of people worldwide living with the condition.