Serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein

Author： Skoumal M. Kolarz G. Klingler A.

ISSN： 0300-9742

Source： Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, Vol.32, Iss.3, 2003-05, pp. : 156-161

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Abstract

Objective: To examine whether cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) correlates with inflammation and/or joint destruction of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to test COMP as predicting factor for the outcome of patients with established RA.Methods: Serum levels of COMP were measured in sera of 62 patients, suffering from RA according to the ACR criteria and treated in intervals in our department, over a period of 5 years. A commercially available sandwich - type ELISA-kit developed by AnaMar Medical AB, Sweden, was used. The results of serum COMP were compared with the Disease Activity Score (DAS), the Larsen Score, and clinical and laboratory parameters.Results: We found a positive correlation between serum levels of COMP at baseline and deterioration of Larsen score even after 5 years (p<0.007; r=0.34). To confirm serum COMP as an independent predicting factor for patients with RA we looked at a subgroup of patients (n=17) with elevated serum levels of COMP (mean 11,7 U/l) and low clinical prognostic factors. In this subgroup we also found a significant correlation with delta Larsen score (p<0.01; r=0.59) after 5 years.Conclusion: Serum levels of COMP is known to reflect increased cartilage turnover. The results indicate that serum COMP may be used as a prognostic marker of cartilage degradation in a patient group with established RA.