6 Feb: Scientists identify potential biomarker for osteoarthritis

US and Canadian scientists have identified two molecules that could be used as a biomarker for osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.

Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, the University of Guelph in Ontario and the University of Toronto studied 121 patients between 2006 and 2011.

Participants all had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and blood tests one year after undergoing surgery to repair a damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in their knee.

Presenting their findings at the annual Orthopaedic Research Society meeting, the researchers revealed that blood concentrations of two particular molecules were associated with mild cartilage damage in 30 of the patients.

The findings suggest that these two molecules - called non-coding RNAs - could be used to measure the degree of cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis.

Lead author Dr Gary Gibson, director of Henry Ford's Bone and Joint Centre, said: "Our results suggest we have identified a long-awaited biomarker for this leading cause of disability."

Dr Gibson revealed that the search for a reliable biomarker for osteoarthritis has been "very elusive", but claimed that the team's work shows "great promise".

"Our ultimate goal is to develop a biomarker that can be used in the development of future treatments to prevent the progression of the disease," he added.

Arthritis Research UK is currently carrying out a considerable amount of research looking to establish biomarkers as predictors of osteoarthritis which could help GPs target individuals at risk with advice on lifestyle, exercise and weight-loss.