Potential novel proteomic biomarkers for diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis identified using an immunomics protein array technique: Two cases reports

RATIONALE

Although vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is commonly associated with high morbidity and high recurrence rate, effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of VO are still lacking.

PATIENTS CONCERNS

Case 1: a 60-year-old male had had upper back pain for 3 days. Case 2: a 71-year-old female presented upper back pain for 2 days.

DIAGNOSES

Based on physical examination and findings of magnetic resonance imaging and findings by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, they were diagnosed with Staphylococcus aureus VO.

INTERVENTIONS

Using Sengenics Immunome Protein Array by analyzing autoantibodies in both VO patients, potential biomarkers of VO were explored.

OUTCOMES

Four subjects with more than 1600 antigens screened while the results showed that 14-3-3 protein gamma, pterin-4-alpha-carbinolamine dehydratase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A, and keratin type II cytoskeletal 8 were highly differentially expressed among VO and controls. Relevant auto-antibody profiles were discovered after intra-group and inter-group comparison, and based on functional rationality, an adapter protein 14-3-3 protein gamma, and pterin-4-alpha-carbinolamine dehydratase that involved in tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis, might serve as valuable diagnostic biomarkers.

LESSONS

This pilot study on 4 subjects with more than 1600 antigens screened on the Sengenics Immunome protein array provided a general outlook on autoantibody biomarker profiles of VO subjects. Future large-scale trials with longer follow-up times are warranted.