Background: This study aimed to evaluate the function of glycoprotein YKL-40 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, erosive osteoarthrosis or coxitis.
Methods: Serum levels of glycoprotein YKL-40 were assayed using an ELISA method in 40 patients with active-phase rheumatoid arthritis and 20 patients suffering from erosive osteoarthrosis or coxitis.
Results: The mean values of YKL-40 were enhanced in all patients with rheumatoid arthritis and arthrosis with higher mean values in erosive osteoarthritis and coxitis (440 ng/ml) compared to rheumatoid arthritis (190 ng/ml).
Conclusions: YKL 40 is a local prognostic marker of joint destruction.