Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein: A biomarker for diagnostic and monitoring osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful, chronic, and widespread disease. Early treatment for disease is very important to prevent the progression of the disease. Currently, X-ray and clinical history are still the most dependable ways to diagnose OA and estimate the severity of disease. However, the joint damage by OA disease begins before it is diagnosed by radiographic changes. Hence, further practices for early diagnosis are required. Biomarkers and particles that are released into fluids during the disease have received many research interests for early diagnosis of OA. Therefore, in order for the biomarker to be beneficial in diagnosing of OA preradiography, it must have a strong and direct association with the disease. Hence, a good approach to detect and follow-up this disease is cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). COMP is one of the important biomarkers, which is closely related to the breakdown of the articular cartilage and the loss of function. Many studies have suggested that the COMP level is an indicator of the diagnosis and severity of the disease. In this review article, we highlighted the importance's role of COMP in OA.