Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in serum and synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis: potential use as a marker for joint cartilage damage

Abstract

This study examined the serum and synovial fluid concentrations of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in relation to the evolution of joint cartilage damage and the requirement for surgery in 125 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We compared the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) levels with COMP levels determined by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were divided into three groups: (1) patients with least erosive disease (LES); (2) patients with more erosive disease (MES); and (3) patients with mutilating disease (MUD). In addition, synovial fluid samples were collected from patients undergoing arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee joint (ASS) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Serum COMP levels correlated with the ESR (P < 0.0001, r = 0.374, n = 125) and the CRP level (P = 0.0014, r = 0.281, n = 125). COMP levels did not correlate with the MMP-3 level (P = 0.182, r = 0.114, n = 125). The COMP levels of the LES group were significantly lower than those of the MES or MUD groups. Lastly, synovial fluid COMP levels in the TKA group were higher than in the ASS group. Therefore, these findings suggest that serum and synovial fluid COMP levels in patients with RA may reflect cartilage destruction and are correlated with the ESR and the CRP level, which are indicators of the acute-phase response.

Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein Level in Rheumatic Diseases

“…As in OA, COMP also plays an important role in the evaluation of erosion in other joint diseases. Studies have shown that in diseases that are not typically erosive, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), COMP levels are significantly lower than in erosive or deforming diseases 23 . Serum levels of COMP in SLE patients are, however, positively correlated with a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and inversely correlated with the degree of anemia.…”

The Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Markers of Large Joint Health in Stable Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Pilot Study

“…The measurement of COMP in the serum (sCOMP) has previously been utilized to determine the acute effects of exercise on cartilage breakdown in healthy individuals and people with osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies including RA patients have reported sCOMP levels ranging from 980 ng/mL to 2,400 ng/mL (Christensen et al ; de Jong et al ; Fujikawa et al ; Lindqvist et al ; Momohara et al ; Morozzi et al ; Skoumal et al ; Syversen et al ; Vilím et al, ; Wisłowska and Jabłońska, ). Studies including healthy control (CTL) participants have reported sCOMP levels within the range of 723 ng/mL to 890 ng/mL (Christensen et al, ; Kersting et al, ; Liphardt et al, ; Mündermann et al, ; Niehoff et al, ).…”

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein: COMPopathies and beyond

“…Lower serum COMP levels correlated with mild RA disease and decreased level of inflammatory markers. In contrast, higher COMP synovial fluid levels were found in patients requiring extensive surgical intervention [93]. Additionally, high serum COMP levels in scleroderma patients are associated with higher joint tenderness as measured by the Ritchie articular index and suggests possible RA development [100].…”