Relationship between serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin and hyaluronan levels in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Abstract. Serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (s-ucOC) is a marker for vitamin K metabolism (deficiency). The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of ucOC in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (K-OA), and the correlation between ucOC and other biomarkers for K-OA. A total of 25 patients (22 women, 3 men, mean age 76.0±7.8, range 54-88 years, mean BMI 24.9±4.7) with a Kellgren-Lawrence grade of 3 or 4 for bilateral knee were enrolled in this study. The levels of s-ucOC and other biomarkers were measured. The levels of s-ucOC (5.66±4.70 ng/ml) as well as other cartilage metabolism markers, were elevated in the patients; however, bone metabolism markers were within the normal ranges. Of interest, there was a significant correlation between s-ucOC and serum hyaluronan (a marker for synovitis) (P<0.05). Our findings suggest that vitamin K metabolism may be associated with synovitis in patients with K-OA, and s-ucOC could be a biomarker for K-OA.

Insights into the association of Gla‐rich protein and osteoarthritis, novel splice variants and γ‐carboxylation status

“…Accordingly, recent studies have demonstrated a clear association between knee OA and subclinical vitamin K insufficiency [7][8][9], but none of them has considered GRP as a target protein. Our results showing a relation between GRP and MGP ␥-carboxylation deficiency and OA are also in agreement with recent findings, suggesting that vitamin K metabolism may be associated with synovitis in OA patients, and that serum undercarboxylated OC could be a biomarker for OA [38]. The novel association of both phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinone (vitamin K2) deficiency with the disease further suggests the use of vitamin K as a potential therapeutic/prophylactic agent for OA [39].…”

Effects of phototherapy on cartilage structure and inflammatory markers in an experimental model of osteoarthritis

“…1,2 According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Scientific Group on Rheumatic Diseases, 10% of the world's population older than 60 years has significant clinical problems that can be attributed to OA. [3][4][5] Obesity, trauma, age, genetic factors, and mechanical forces constitute risk factors and can initiate the process of cartilage degeneration. 6,7 Furthermore, clinical symptoms involve joint pain, stiffness, local inflammation, and loss of mobility, which lead to a significant reduction of the quality of life.…”

Biochemical Markers for Osteoarthritis: Is There any Promising Candidate?

“…Higher OC levels were significantly correlated with decreased rates of cartilage loss and radiologic progression of knee OA (56,57). In contrast, Naito et al (58) have demonstrated that OC levels were not elevated in patients with OA. Similarly, Jung et al (59) found no relationship between serum OC concentrations and ultrasonographic findings of knee OA.…”