Diagnostic value of serum COMP and ADAMTS7 for intervertebral disc degeneration

European Journal of Medical Research, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-024-01784-w · Published: March 11, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Orthopedics Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and ADAMTS7 as biomarkers for intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Researchers analyzed tissue and blood samples from rabbit models and human patients. The study found that COMP and ADAMTS7 levels increase in both tissues and serum as IVDD progresses. Combining sCOMP and sADAMTS7 assay results improved diagnostic measure for IVDD compared to individual tests. In vitro experiments showed that COMP can prevent extracellular matrix degradation and reduce ADAMTS7 expression. This protective role of COMP was weakened under conditions mimicking IVDD.

Study Duration

1–4 weeks (animal model)

Participants

84 LBP patients, rabbit IVDD models

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Serum COMP (sCOMP) and serum ADAMTS7 (sADAMTS7) levels increased in a time-dependent manner following IVD damage in the rabbit model.
2
Significant positive correlations were detected between sCOMP and sADAMTS7 and Pfirrmann grade in human subjects.
3
Combining sCOMP and sADAMTS7 assay results produced an improved diagnostic measure for IVDD compared to individual tests.

Research Summary

The study investigated COMP and ADAMTS7 as potential biomarkers for IVDD. Both animal and human studies showed that COMP and ADAMTS7 expression increased in tissues and serum during IVDD progression. In vitro assays suggested that COMP helps stabilize the ECM and dampen ADAMTS7 expression, but this protective role is compromised under IVDD-mimicking conditions. Assays for sCOMP and/or sADAMTS7 levels can discriminate between healthy subjects and IVDD patients, suggesting their potential as diagnostic markers.

Practical Implications

Early Diagnosis

sCOMP and sADAMTS7 could be used for early diagnosis of IVDD.

Therapeutic Targets

COMP and ADAMTS7 represent potential therapeutic targets for IVDD.

Personalized Medicine

Biomarker levels could help tailor treatments for IVDD patients.

Study Limitations

1
Need for in-depth understanding of physical forms and cellular sources of circulating COMP and ADAMTS7.
2
Study needs to be expanded beyond a single center analysis and increased subject numbers.
3
Further research is needed to determine the full discriminatory potential of these assays in reliably detecting early-stage IVD damage.

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