A novel serological biomarker are associated with disease severity in patients with osteoarthritis

Background and aim Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) is a 25-30 kDa glycoprotein, as a distinct component of the human plasma lipoprotein system. Its known biological functions are mainly related to lipid metabolism. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential role of ApoD concentration in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods This study was performed in a population of 113 KOA subjects and 97 healthy controls. Serum ApoD was detected using the commercial ELISA kit (Cusabio, Wu Han, China, Cat No. CSB-EL001935HU). Radiographic progression was evaluated using Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification. The clinical severity of KOA was assessed by visual analog score (VAS), Hospital for special surgery (HSS) knee score disease duration and TNF-alpha. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to test the potential diagnostic value of ApoD in radiographic progression. Results The serum ApoD level of patients with KOA was significantly lower than that of healthy controls. The serum ApoD level was negatively correlated with KL grades, VAS score, disease duration, TNF-alpha concentrations. On the contrary, it was positively correlated with HSS score. However, there was no correlation between this serological indicator and which side was affected. ROC curve analysis indicated that attenuated serum ApoD could serve as an appropriate biomarker concerning the diagnosis of KOA. Conclusions Serum ApoD concentration was correlated with the presence and severity of KOA.

Automated summary

In this study, the researchers investigated the potential role of Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) concentration in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). They found that the serum ApoD level was significantly lower in KOA patients compared to healthy controls, and it was correlated with disease progression and severity.