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Biomarkers of musculoskeletal disorders.

Mastin JP; Henningsen GM; Fine LJ

Molecular epidemiology: principles and practices. Schulte PA, Perera FP, eds. San Diego, CA: Academic Press, 1993 Apr; :547-564

00232201

The possibility of using biological markers for early diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders was discussed. Incorporating biomarkers into epidemiological studies of musculoskeletal disorders was considered. It was noted that very little effort has been made to identify and use biomarkers for diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders. Many aspects of epidemiological studies could be improved by incorporating validated biomarkers since the occupational risk factors for most musculoskeletal disorders have been identified. Repetitive forceful movements of the wrist, for example, have been identified as a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome. Developing a marker of the biologically effective dose, in this case the amount of trauma necessary to cause early musculoskeletal changes, would allow more accurate studies of the relationship between complex exposures such as segmented vibrations or repetitive work and disease outcome. Considerations for incorporating biomarkers into epidemiological studies of musculoskeletal disorders were discussed. An important consideration is deciding what type of tissue sample should be obtained. Specific types of biomarkers that can be used for detecting early musculoskeletal changes were reviewed. These include proteins that are constituents of musculoskeletal tissue and are produced through catabolic or repair processes, proteins associated with inflammatory changes, and indicators of immune or autoimmune processes. Application of these biomarkers to osteoarthrosis, low back pain, cumulative trauma disorders, and other musculoskeletal disorders was considered. Techniques for measuring biomarkers were summarized. Using animal models for investigating musculoskeletal biomarkers was discussed.

Musculoskeletal-system-disorders; Epidemiology; Carpal-tunnel-syndrome; Muscle-tissue; Clinical-diagnosis; In-vivo-studies; Laboratory-animals; Repetitive-work; Cumulative-trauma-disorders

19930401

Chapter

Schulte PA; Perera FP

1993

9780126323450

DSHEFS; DBBS

Musculoskeletal-system-disorders

Molecular epidemiology: principles and practices

CA; OH