Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease of the world population. Although considered a disease of old age, OA also affects young individuals and, more specifically among them, those practicing knee-joint-loading sports. Predicting OA at an early stage is crucial but remains a challenge. Biomarkers that can predict early OA development will help in the design of specific therapeutic strategies for individuals and, for athletes, to avoid adverse outcomes due to exercising/training regimens. This review summarizes and compares the current knowledge of fluid and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers common to early knee OA and exercise/training in athletes. A variety of fluid biochemical markers have been proposed to detect knee OA at an early stage; however, few have shown similar behavior between the two studied groups. Moreover, in endurance athletes, they are often contingent on the sport involved. MRI has also demonstrated its ability for early detection of joint structural alterations in both groups. It is currently suggested that for optimal forecasting of early knee structural alterations, both fluid and MRI biomarkers should be analyzed as a panel and/or combined, rather than individually.
Highlights
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease worldwide
Levels of melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) and the inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-1β, IL1-Ra, IL-6, sIL-6R, and TNFα, and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) were compared in marathoners, nonrunning healthy subjects, rheumatoid arthritis and OA patients [66]
Data showed that baseline serum levels of TNF-α, sIL-6R, COMP, and MIA were significantly elevated in marathoners compared to healthy controls
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease worldwide. In recent years, this disease demonstrated an increase in both incidence and prevalence, affecting about 18% of the world population. More information on the evolution of OA is warranted in the search for targeted measures that will delay or stop its progression To this end, OA biomarkers, molecules or markers involved in the early stages of the pathological OA process, could be used as warning signs, before serious joint damage occurs. OA biomarkers, molecules or markers involved in the early stages of the pathological OA process, could be used as warning signs, before serious joint damage occurs This will permit health professionals to intervene with an appropriate action/therapeutic approach to reduce the likelihood of further knee structure alteration. This review presents and compares fluid and MRI biomarkers common to early knee OA and endurance exercise/training athletes, to ascertain a common signature between these two pathological articular processes
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