YKL-40 a Potential Marker of Joint Inflammation in Osteoarthritis
This is more indication that OA is an inflammatory process and can be managed through natural anti-inflammatory methods. YKL-40 is a substance secreted by the chondrocytes and synovial cells, also indicating that OA may have a nutritional component affecting the health of cells.
Ann Rheum Dis 2000;59:828-831 Study results published this month suggest a correlation between serum YKL-40, a glycoprotein secreted by chondrocytes and synovial cells, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with osteoarthritis. researchers say that YKL-40 may be a marker of joint inflammation in osteoarthritis. They report that serum YKL-40 levels were 36% higher in osteoarthritis patients than in controls. They also report that “serum levels of YKL-40 and CRP increased with age and were significantly correlated.” Dr. Conrozier and colleagues say that while these findings confirm prior studies, “further longitudinal studies are necessary to assess the value of YKL-40 for monitoring patients with osteoarthritis and its possible use in monitoring clinical response to NSAIDs and disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs.”