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(TM) 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.