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Biological markers in rheumatoid arthritis
1Joint Diseases Laboratory, Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
|June 1, 1994
Summary
New assays detect molecular markers of skeletal damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. These markers reflect inflammation and aid in early diagnosis and treatment monitoring before radiological changes occur.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves chronic inflammation causing significant musculoskeletal damage, especially in joints.
- Current diagnostic methods may not detect early tissue damage effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review new biochemical markers for skeletal metabolism in RA.
- To demonstrate how these markers reflect early joint damage caused by chronic inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized newly developed immunoassays and chemical assays.
- Measured synthesis and degradation products of cartilage, bone, and synovium-derived molecules.
- Analyzed levels of these molecules in body fluids (serum, synovial fluid, urine).
Main Results:
- Detected the release of specific molecules and their degradation products into body fluids.
- Demonstrated that marker release correlates with the inflammatory process in RA.
- Showcased how these markers identify skeletal damage preceding radiological findings.
Conclusions:
- New molecular markers can detect early skeletal damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
- These markers offer prognostic value and potential for rapid assessment of therapeutic effects.