Association of inflammatory, genetic, and epigenetic markers with Kellgren-Lawrence grading in post-traumatic osteoarthritis of knee: A protocol.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) occurs due to cartilage degeneration caused by injuries like bone fractures, ligament tears, and soft tissue injuries in and around the joint. It is diagnosed by X-ray in the later stages. Early diagnosis may be possible by analyzing biochemical and molecular markers, facilitating early management. AIM: To characterize inflammatory, genetic, and epigenetic markers that aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of knee PTOA. METHODS: The prospective cohort study is conducted at a tertiary care hospital, India. The study includes 140 participants: 70 (controls), and 70 (cases) sustained trauma to knee. Written informed consent is obtained. Serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-10, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, transforming growth factor-β1, matrix metalloproteinase-13, and oxidized-LDL and urine C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type II collagen are analyzed by ELISA. Genetic and epigenetic studies are done. Ethics approval is obtained. Statistical analysis by SPSS software version 16. RESULTS: Biomarkers will be correlated with the X-ray grading as per the Kellgren-Lawrence scale. CONCLUSION: These mediators can be potential markers to assess the disease burden, prognosis, and severity. They may also help as therapeutic targets to customize personalized therapy.