Synovial fluid markers in osteoarthritis

Abstract

Exploration of the mechanisms responsible for breakdown and repair of articular cartilage in osteoarthritis has promoted interest in the potential use of cartilage-derived molecules as markers of cartilage metabolism in this disease. Many of the macromolecules detectable in synovial fluid have been evaluated as possible surrogate markers of the severity or activity of disease processes. Measurements of the synovial fluid concentration of any marker without due consideration of the fate of the molecule in the joint cavity are likely to be misleading and insufficient to cement a relationship between marker concentration and the severity of articular pathology.