Cartilage matrix glycoprotein as a possible marker of osteoarthritis

Subunits of a disulfide bonded 550,000 Da cartilage matrix glycoprotein have been detected in the serum of dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) produced by anterior cruciate ligament transection of one hind limb. Cartilage matrix glycoprotein also can be detected in synovial fluid from humans with OA but not in fluid from individuals with other joint diseases. However, in studies of serum from patients with arthroscopically proven focal OA associated with trauma, the presence or absence of cartilage matrix glycoprotein in serum, as detected by a qualitative immunolocation assay, does not correlate with the state of the cartilage.