Wednesday, June 10,
2009
Osteoarthritis is commonly diagnosed in the late and irreversible
stages, when treatment can only be expected to decrease pain and
slow progression of disease. Because osteoarthritis is a widespread
problem in dogs, horses and humans, doctors and veterinarians need
a precise way to diagnose the disease early and accurately. Now,
University of Missouri researchers are investigating potential
biomarkers in dogs for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis, which
could help identify patients at increased risk of developing
osteoarthritis.
"By developing methods for earlier diagnosis of osteoarthritis,
prevention or even curative treatment strategies to manage the
disease become more realistic," said James Cook, professor of
veterinary medicine and surgery, and the William & Kathryn
Allen Distinguished Professor in Orthopedic Surgery. "Biomarkers
could detect the disease before pain and swelling occurs, and
owners could take preventative measures, such as modifying
activities or diet, helping their pets lose weight and strengthen
their joints, to reduce the likelihood of their dogs developing
osteoarthritis."
In the study, researchers examined potential biomarkers in synovial
fluid. Synovial fluid, which is fluid that lubricates the joints,
is known to have sensitive and rapid responses to joint injury.
Taking samples from dogs, researchers found that synovial fluid
quantity and quality were altered in injured stifle joints (the
joint in the hind limbs of dogs that is the equivalent joint to the
human knee).
"At the MU Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory, we are particularly
interested in identification and validation of biomarkers that can
detect early stages of osteoarthritis to provide accurate
diagnostic and prognostic information prior to the onset of
clinical disease for people and for pets," Cook said. "Our team,
led by Drs. Kuroki, Stoker and Garner, is making tremendous
progress in developing simple tests on blood, urine and synovial
fluid that show great promise for helping us diagnose impending
osteoarthritis before it is too late to help the patient in the
most effective manner."
Osteoarthritis causes degradation of articular cartilage, leading
to pain, inflammation and loss of motion in the joint.
Veterinarians predict that 20 percent of middle-aged dogs and 90
percent of older dogs have osteoarthritis in one or more joints and
the percentages are even higher for the human population.
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University of Missouri-Columbia
Thanks to University of
Missouri-Columbia for this article.