Serum and Synovial Fluid Nesfatin-1 Concentration is Associated with Radiographic Severity of Knee Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND Nesfatin-1, a member of the adipokine family, has been detected in synovial fluid (SF) from OA patients. This study aimed to determine whether there is a marked correlation of nesfatin-1 levels in serum and SF of knee OA patients with the disease severity of OA. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional research enrolled 202 knee OA subjects. The Kellgren-Lawrence grading system was utilized to evaluate the severity of knee OA. RESULTS Elevated nesfatin-1 concentrations in serum were found in knee OA patients compared with the controls. Nesfatin-1 concentrations were markedly elevated with increased KL grades. Serum and SF nesfatin-1 concentrations were both significantly associated with the disease severity evaluated by KL grading criteria. CONCLUSIONS Our investigation indicates a marked association of serum and SF nesfatin-1 concentrations with OA disease severity.