Osteoarthritis Year in Review 2014: we need more biochemical biomarkers in qualification phase

The current diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) relies on the description of pain symptoms, affected joint stiffness, and radiography used as the reference technique for determining the grade of joint destruction. Limitations of the presently available diagnostic tests have provided an impetus for the substantial increase in interest in finding new specific biological markers for cartilage degradation to facilitate the early diagnosis of joint destruction, evaluate disease progression and improve disease prognosis. Biomarkers for OA are also useful for drug development, treatment monitoring, and as a basis for personalized evidence-based action plans. This review summarizes 29 manuscripts published during 2013 with a focus on soluble biochemical biomarkers, primarily those utilizing proteomic, metabolomics, lipidomic and imaging mass spectrometry technologies.