Analysis on the serum levels of the biomarker CTX-II in professional indoor soccer players over the course of one season☆

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the blood serum levels of CTX-II in professional indoor soccer players, at three different times during one season: at the start of the pre-season, four months later (a time that marks the middle of the season) and at the end of the season. METHODS Fourteen male soccer players of mean age 19 years were included. Blood samples of 3 mL were collected from each individual. The samples were analyzed by means of Elisa tests. RESULTS There was a significant increase in the serum level of CTX-II in the indoor soccer players, from the beginning to the end of the season (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION These data suggest that joint degradation had occurred in these soccer players, by the end of this period. It is evident that further studies are needed, with methodological rigor, so as to make an effective contribution toward precise elucidation of the etiology of this osteoarthritis and its relationship with the biomarkers, as a tool for early diagnosis.