TY - JOUR T1 - Systematic review of biochemical biomarkers for neck and upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders JO - Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health PY - 2016/3VL - 42 IS - 2 SP - 103 EP - 124 AU - Gold, Judith E AU - Hallman, David M AU - Hellström, Fredrik AU - Björklund, Martin AU - Crenshaw, Albert G AU - Djupsjobacka, Mats AU - Heiden, Marina AU - Mathiassen, Svend Erik AU - Piligian, George AU - Barbe, Mary F M3 - doi: 10.5271/sjweh.3533 UR - https://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=3533 KW - biochemical biomarker KW - biomarker KW - collagen degradation KW - collagen repair KW - inflammation KW - lipids KW - muscle injury KW - muscle metabolite KW - musculoskeletal disorder KW - neck KW - pain KW - serotonin KW - systematic review KW - tendon injury KW - triglycerides KW - upper-extremity KW - upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorder N2 - '

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OBJECTIVE ': 'This study systematically summarizes biochemical biomarker research in non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Two research questions guided the review: (i) Are there biochemical markers associated with neck and upper-extremity MSD? and (ii) Are there biochemical markers associated with the severity of neck and upper-extremity MSD?

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METHODS ': 'A literature search was conducted in PubMed and SCOPUS, and 87 studies met primary inclusion criteria. Following a quality screen, data were extracted from 44 articles of sufficient quality.

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RESULTS ': 'Most of the 87 studies were cross-sectional and utilized convenience samples of patients as both cases and controls. A response rate was explicitly stated in only 11 (13%) studies. Less than half of the studies controlled for potential confounding through restriction or in the analysis. Most sufficient-quality studies were conducted in older populations (mean age in one or more analysis group >50 years). In sufficient-quality articles, 82% demonstrated at least one statistically significant association between the MSD and biomarker(s) studied. Evidence suggested that: (i) the collagen-repair marker TIMP-1 is decreased in fibro proliferative disorders, (ii) 5-HT (serotonin) is increased in trapezius myalgia, and (iii) triglycerides are increased in a variety of MSD. Only 5 studies showed an association between a biochemical marker and MSD severity.

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CONCLUSION ': 'While some MSD biomarkers were identified, limitations in the articles examined included possible selection bias, confounding, spectrum effect (potentially heterogeneous biomarker associations in populations according to symptom severity or duration), and insufficient attention to comorbid conditions. A list of recommendations for future studies is provided.

SN - 0355-3140 ER -