Plasma and synovial fluid connective tissue growth factor levels are correlated with disease severity in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been implicated in development of osteoarthritis (OA). OBJECTIVE To determine the correlation between plasma and synovial fluid CTGF levels and the severity in knee osteoarthritis patients. METHODS A total of 100 subjects were recruited into this study (75 OA patients and 25 controls). CTGF concentrations in plasma and synovial fluid were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Plasma and synovial fluid CTGF concentrations were correlated with radiographic severity. There was a positive correlation between plasma and synovial fluid CTGF levels. CONCLUSION CTGF could be useful for monitoring the severity and progression of OA.