Clinical and omics biomarkers in osteoarthritis diagnosis and treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that significantly impacts the quality of life for hundreds of millions, and is a major cause of disability. Despite this, diagnostic and therapeutic options for OA are still limited. With advances in molecular biology, an increasing number of OA biomarkers have been identified, which not only enhances our understanding of OA pathogenesis, but also offers new approaches for OA diagnosis and treatment. This review discussed the research progress on traditional OA biomarkers, and analyzed the application of various omics, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, in the diagnosis and treatment of OA. Furthermore, we explored how integrating multi-omics methods can reveal interactions among different biomolecules and their roles in the development of OA. This emerging interdisciplinary approach not only provides a more comprehensive understanding of the fundamental biological characteristics of OA, but also aids in identifying new integrated biomarkers, thereby allowing for more accurate predictions of disease progression and treatment responses. The identification and development of biomarkers offer new perspectives in understanding OA, enhancing the specificity and sensitivity of biological diagnostic markers, providing a basis for the design of targeted drugs, and ultimately advancing the development of precision diagnosis and treatment strategies in clinical OA. This study provides an overview of both commonly used and emerging biomarkers of OA which is beneficial for a more accurate, timely, effective clinical diagnosis and treatment for OA.