MYELOPEROXIDASE AS A POTENTIAL BIOMARKER IN DIFFERENT STAGES OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis (OA) is disabling condition leading to loss of articular cartilage. Etiology of OA is not clearly understood and diagnosis of early stages of OA is difficult due to lack of specific markers. Recent literature suggest that elevation of Myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in synovial fluid in early stages of OA as compared to controls and late stage OA. Presence of MPO in blood and Urine samples of OA patients is still not studied. Present study is designed to explore the role of plasma and urine MPO levels in different stages of osteoarthritis. Based on Kellgren-Laurence (K.L.) Score, study subjects were divided into 4 groups as per 4 grades of severity of OA. These assignments were made by experienced joint surgeons and were based on radiographic & clinical findings. MPO levels in plasma and urine is estimated by ELISA technique. Levels of Plasma and Urine MPO are found to be significantly higher in case Grade 1, grade 2(Early Knee OA) & MPO level goes on decreasing in Grade 3 & 4 (Late Knee OA). Therefore Early detection of knee OA (Grade 1 & 2) through estimation of rise in serum and urine MPO level is possible and is very convenient as compared to synovial MPO levels. This will help Orthopedic Surgeons to check the disease progression by therapeutic intervention at early stages and to prevent further debilitating complications.