First biomarkers for severe osteoarthritis identified

Researchers have found a correlation between the presence of certain biomarkers in the blood and an increased risk of severe osteoarthritis.

A team led by the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany screened existing serum samples of people with osteoarthritis and were able to identify three potential micro RNA markers that could be linked with a greater risk of developing a serious form of the disease.

According to data presented at the European League Against Rheumatism annual congress, 816 patients were followed for more than 15 years and measured for the presence of the miRNAs and the occurrence of severe osteoarthritis.

The need for joint replacement - also known as arthroplasty - was treated as a definitive outcome of severe osteoarthritis in the knee or hip. Of the 816 patients, 67 had one or more total joint replacements for severe knee or hip osteoarthritis.

Results of the blood analysis showed a correlation between severe knee or hip osteoarthritis and three miRNA molecules known as let-7e, miR-454 and miR-885-5p. This indicates these miRNAs could be used as biomarkers to predict the onset of severe forms of the disease.

Lead author Dr Christian Beyer from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg said: "These results indicate that for the first time we will be able to predict the risk of severe osteoarthritis, before the disease starts to significantly impact a person's life, allowing us to take preventative action early on.

"Through the early identification of osteoarthritis we can decrease both the impact of the disease on individuals and the major socio-economic burden this severe disease poses."

A spokesman for Arthritis Research UK welcomed the study's results but added a word of caution, saying: "The hunt has been on for many years to find definitive biomarkers for osteoarthritis which can be used to predict the onset and severity of osteoarthritis, as currently there are no means of predicting how it will develop or respond to therapy.

"Our own scientists have identified two biomarkers that are likely to be useful for diagnostic and monitoring purposes; however, we need to make sure they will be good enough for use in an individual patient.

"Osteoarthritis-specific biomarkers will enable doctors to direct specific treatment options such as physiotherapy towards those patients most likely to benefit, and may also help to identify early who will require a joint replacement."