Early Detection of Cartilage Degradation Among Heavy Manual Workers Using Serum Level of Collagen Type II Metabolite

J Clin Rheumatol. 2022 Jan 1;28(1):e33-e37. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000001583.

Abstract

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are common health problems in brick manufacturers, where mechanical load leads to degenerative joint diseases. Collagen type II metabolite (C2C) is a small peptide excreted in urine, and its serum concentration can directly reflect articular cartilage decomposition.

Objective: Early detection of musculoskeletal disorders among brick workers, using serum C2C as a biomarker of cartilage damage.

Methods: This study involved 88 male brick workers in Arab Abu Saed matched to 88 age- and sex-matched controls. Full history taking, pain assessment using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, and complete clinical examination were done for both groups. Serum C2C was measured using a competitive immunoassay method.

Results: Brick workers involved in the study were of a mean age 30.66 ± 7.90 years and mean work duration 14.80 ± 7.89 years, matched to 88 controls. The majority of the participants (77.3%) were of normal body mass index. An increase in pain/discomfort was found among the exposed group. Serum C2C had an increased mean among the exposed group compared with the control. Pearson correlation between serum C2C level, body mass index, age, and years of employment showed no correlation.

Conclusions: Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among brick workers who adopt specific awkward postures, unhealthy working conditions, and nonexistent safety procedures, for prolonged periods. Detection of serum C2C level can be used as a predictive biomarker for the early detection of musculoskeletal disorders among brick workers.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers
  • Cartilage, Articular* / pathology
  • Collagen Type II / blood*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Posture
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Collagen Type II