In 2003 the Division of Rheumatology was designated a site of the Osteoarthritis (OA) Biomarkers Network. As part of this study, division researchers are using surrogate tissues, such as peripheral blood cells for differential gene expression, to develop a prognostic biomarker in osteoarthritis.

Recent studies have indicated that OA is caused by more than a wear and tear on the joint and traditionally considered as disease of cartilage.

However recent literature from our own laboratory has highlighted the role of inflammation in the joint deterioration. Currently OA is diagnosed through a series of assessments, including a medical history, physical exams and radiographic and MRI tests. Furthermore, there are no reliable and sensitive markers to predict the progression of the OA disease.

The Division of Rheumatology at NYUHJD has undertaken a multiyear project to identify and characterize sensitive chemical and imaging biomarker(s) which could identify and predict early signs of disease and measure progression of disease. These findings may ultimately help us to identify and develop disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) in the near future.

In 2003, the Division of Rheumatology was designated as a site of the Osteoarthritis Biomarkers Network. As part of this, Division researchers are using genetic polymorphism in cytokine genes and surrogate tissues, such as peripheral blood cells for differential gene expression to develop prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in OA.