Application of GGCX Combined with Inflammatory Factors IL-1 and TNF-α in the Evaluation of Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease. The diagnostic method of OA does not reflect the lesions timely. gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) is a vitamin K-related carboxylase. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) play key roles in the inflammatory process. This study aims to analyze the role of GGCX combined with IL-1 and TNF-alpha in the evaluation of knee OA. Sixty patients with primary knee OA diagnosed in the orthopedic department of our hospital were selected as the OA group, and 20 cases of normal knee joint articular cartilage and joint fluid were collected as the control group. Patients' clinical data were collected and graded. GGCX mRNA and protein expression in cartilage specimen were analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blot. GGCX, IL-1, and TNF-alpha levels in the joint fluid were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). GGCX expression in OA group was significantly lower than that in control group with staging dependence (P < 0.05). The IL-1 and TNF-alpha levels were significantly upregulated in OA patients compared with control group with staging dependence (P < 0.05). GGCX expression was negatively correlated, whereas IL-1 and TNF-alpha levels were positively correlated with the severity of arthritis in OA patients (P < 0.05). Combined detection markedly improved the sensitivity and specificity in OA diagnosis. GGCX expression was decreased, while IL-1 and TNF-alpha were elevated in articular cartilage and joint fluid of OA patients with severity dependence. Combined detection was helpful for the early diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of OA.