Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Diagnostic Biomarkers of Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), leads to considerable morbidity and disability in elderly [1]. The condition is diagnosed basically on clinical presentation and radiographic findings. By the time changes are visible on radiographs the disease is fairly advanced. Radiographic changes are apparent only after a year or two, but changes in biomarker levels are apparent within a few months [2]. Biomarkers are used to diagnose the condition in early stage, to assess the disease progression and efficacy of treatment. Serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and serum Hyaluronic acid (HA) are the two diagnostic biomarkers which are most often used [3,4]. Only few studies are found in literature of comparing the sensitivity and specificity of COMP and HA. The aim of this study is to assess the role of COMP (biochemical marker for cartilage degradation) and HA (biochemical marker for synovial inflammation) in early diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).