Increased serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and bone sialoprotein in rats with collagen arthritis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum levels of cartilage and bone macromolecules can be used to monitor tissue destruction in experimental arthritis in rats. Serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (CQMP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) were measured by novel immunoassays in the chronic and destructive arthritis induced in DA rats after immunization with autologous rat native collagen type II in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Increased serum levels of COMP and BSP were seen on day 21 after immunization, and even higher levels were observed on day 28 at termination of the experiment, paralleling increases in the clinical joint score and histopathological signs of cartilage and bone erosions. Serum analyses of these markers may be a useful non-invasive way of monitoring tissue involvement in experimental arthritis and possibly the effects of therapeutic interventions aimed at retarding tissue destruction.