title: Biologic markers and disc degeneration.
abstract: Biomarkers of skeletal turnover, such as the synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix molecules in specific tissues, offer the opportunity to gain new insights into spinal pathology and treatment. The creation, use, and interpretation of these analytical body-fluid measures of process (rather than outcome) require a clear understanding of the nature of the molecules and events being measured. This review provides examples of how protein and carbohydrate assays of biomarkers can be used to measure the contribution from the intervertebral discs and vertebrae of the spine. With regard to spinal degeneration and ankylosing spondylitis, these investigations are providing important new information, in weeks rather than years, on the response of patients to treatment.
authors.affiliation: Joint Diseases Laboratory, Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1529 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A6, Canada. rpoole@shriners.mcgill.ca
authors.forename: A Robin
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Poole
mesh_terms: D053674:Aggrecans; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011508:Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D018450:Disease Progression; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000503:physiopathology*; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D053674:Aggrecans; D015415:Biomarkers; D011508:Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D037181:Lectins, C-Type