Patients with early-stage arthritis could soon be diagnosed years before the symptoms surface
Scientists from the Warwick Medical School have developed a test they claim can provide early diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA), the most common chronic condition of the joints.
The test can also distinguish OA from early-stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, and other self-resolving joint diseases.
According to the report, which was published in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy, the test identifies chemical signatures found in the plasma of damaged blood joint proteins.
The study involved taking plasma and fluid samples from patients with early stage OA and other inflammatory joint diseases including RA.
Research was untaken by scientists at Warwick Medical School
Blood samples were also taken from a control group of participants with good skeletal health.
This is a big step forward for early-stage detection of arthritis
The samples were examined for damaged proteins and characteristic patterns between the two groups.
Lead researcher Dr Naila Rabbani of Warwick Medical School said the study was the first to focus on these markers.
She said: "Damage to proteins in the arthritic joint have been known for many years but this is the first time it has been exploited for early-stage diagnosis.
The test can also distinguish OA from early-stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
"For the first time we measured small fragments from damaged proteins that leak from the joint into the blood.
"The combination of changes in oxidised, nitrated and sugar-modified amino acids in blood enabled early stage detection and classification of arthritis - osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other self-resolving inflammatory joint disease.
While more research needs to be done, Dr Rabbani said the findings represent an exciting development.
She said: "This is a big step forward for early-stage detection of arthritis that will help start treatment early and prevent painful and debilitating disease."
Researchers say the test could be available to patients within two years.
While more research needs to be done, Dr Rabbani said the findings represent an exciting development
Earlier this year, experts found a link between bacteria found in the gut and mouth with rheumatoid arthritis and other crippling inflammatory diseases.
The British-led multi-million pound study will analyse trillions of gut microbes in the hope that diseases like RO can be tackled by treating its cause rather than its symptoms.
Reportedly, scientists are confident it could lead to the development of preventative medicines or methods of treatment.
Arthritis Research UK contributed £2million to the project.