Identification of Novel Synovial Fluid Biomarkers Associated with Meniscal Pathology

The menisci are integral components within the knee for ensuring optimal joint function. The overall goal of this study was to identify proteomic markers of meniscal disease within synovial fluid samples obtained from control knees versus knees affected with varying degrees of meniscal injury and osteoarthritis. Joint fluid samples were collected before the patient underwent an arthroscopic knee procedure or total knee arthroplasty. Normal controls included patients younger than 30 years with no history of anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, or meniscal injury. A total of 21 joint fluid aspirates were analyzed using mass spectrometry, and a total of 296 proteins were identified. Among these, 50 proteins were determined to be of interest as potential biomarkers based on initial analysis and known functions in articular metabolism. Further statistical analysis comparing protein concentrations among clinical groups identified 13 proteins with significant differences between at least two of the patient cohorts. These data provide novel information for the investigation of synovial fluid biomarkers and treatment strategies for meniscal pathology.