Serum Level of Dickkopf-1 in Relation to Clinical, Radiological, and Ultrasonographic Findings in Patients with Primary Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: A complex joint disease called osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by cartilage breakdown and new bone production. A regulatory protein involved in bone formation and repair, Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) has garnered interest due to its possible connection to osteoarthritis (OA).Aim of the work: The purpose of the research Serum Dickkopf-1 Level and Clinical, Radiological, and Ultrasonographic Outcomes in Patients with Primary Osteoarthritis of the Knee.Patients and methods: This study included 40 participants with primary knee OA and 40 healthy controls. The collected data included demographic information, Western Ontario and McMaster University Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and Radiographic images used to determine the severity of OA using the Kellgren and Lawrence (K-L) grading system.Results: Dkk-1 levels were noticeably greater in OA patients than in healthy controls. Serum Dkk-1 levels and radiographic OA grades were shown to be significantly inversely correlated (P < 0.001). Individuals with knee effusion had considerably lower Dkk-1 levels than those without effusion. Moreover, a robust association was noted between Dkk-1 levels and the ultrasonography-measured thickness of the femoral cartilage.Conclusion: Dkk-1 is a promising biomarker for assessing the severity and progression of knee OA. Its elevated levels in OA patients, coupled with its correlation with radiographic and ultrasonographic findings, suggest that Dkk-1 may play a significant role in the degenerative processes of knee OA and could be useful in evaluating disease severity.