Monomeric C-reactive protein level is associated with osteoarthritis

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with inflammation.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) is a known inflammation marker, with monomeric CRP (mCRP) being the active form at inflammatory sites.
• The role of mCRP in OA pathogenesis and its potential as a biomarker are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between plasma levels of CRP, mCRP, and anti-mCRP autoantibodies and osteoarthritis.
• To determine if mCRP can serve as a biomarker for OA disease activity and progression.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify plasma concentrations of CRP, mCRP, and anti-mCRP autoantibodies.
• Levels were compared between healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with OA.
• Correlation with Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading was assessed.

Main Results:

• Plasma mCRP levels were significantly elevated in OA patients compared to healthy controls.
• A strong association was found between plasma mCRP and OA, whereas anti-mCRP autoantibodies showed minimal correlation.
• Higher plasma mCRP levels were observed in patients with KL grade 4 OA compared to KL grade 3.

Conclusions:

• Plasma mCRP is strongly associated with osteoarthritis and may reflect disease severity.
• mCRP shows potential as a biomarker for monitoring OA disease activity and evaluating therapeutic efficacy.