Biochemical markers of osteoarthritis.

The recent attempts to discover markers of early degenerative joint disease need to be considered from several viewpoints. 1. Our basic understanding of events in joint disease has increased considerably as a result of these studies, and the information gained will collectively contribute to future developments. 2. It should be clearly stated that at present, no marker has been found in biologic fluids that can be used for diagnosing and monitoring degenerative joint disease. 3. Current data provide optimism that the analysis of biologic fluids, perhaps by using more than one marker or fluid, will in the future offer clinically useful information allowing an earlier diagnosis and more appropriate monitoring of the disease. 4. Genetic markers will provide information on subpopulations of patients susceptible to disease development, which should allow early intervention in disease activity and progression in these patients.