Could Osteopontin be a useful biomarker in the diagnosis and severity assessment of osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis of recent evidence

Osteoarthritis (OA) patients demonstrated higher Osteopontin (OPN) plasma, serum, and synovial fluid concentrations than healthy individuals. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether OPN could be used as a diagnostic or prognostic marker for OA symptom/disease severity. Using Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that measured OPN levels in OA patients' plasma, serum, or synovial fluid. After setting the eligibility criteria, data extraction, and quality assessment of the identified studies, we performed statistical analysis using Revman 5.4 and Open Meta analyst. OPN has been found to be associated with advanced knee joint damage in OA patients. In addition, higher expression of OPN is thought to be associated with disease progression. Nevertheless, further studies should examine the role of other markers of chronic bone damage, such as leptin and sclerostin. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 14 studies with a total of 776 cases and 530 controls. OPN was significantly elevated in osteoarthritis patients' plasma, serum, and synovial fluid samples, with significant heterogeneity between studies. We recommend that OPN plasma and synovial fluid levels be measured as a diagnostic and prognostic marker to determine the severity of OA symptoms. [Display omitted]