For Research Use Only. Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures
The MicroVue YKL-40 is a test to measure YKL-40, also known as human cartilage 39 (HC gp-39), in serum and human cell cultures. Though the role of YKL-40 is unknown at present, its pattern of expression and observed associations with various disease activities suggest it plays a role in tissue remodeling.
YKL-40 — also known as human cartilage glycoprotein 39 (HC gp-39) is a 40 KD glycoprotein first described in whey secretions of nonlactating cows. Subsequently, its production by chondrocytes, synovial cells, activated macrophages, neutrophils, and osteosarcoma cells (MG-63) has been reported. It has both heparin and chitin binding domains and appears to be an autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis.
Early studies suggest YKL-40 is useful for researching:
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Early polyarthritis
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Osteoarthritis
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Giant cell arteritis
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Liver fibrosis
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Breast cancer
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Colorectal cancer
Recently, serum YKL-40 has been investigated as a new marker for cancer. Elevated serum YKL-40 is associated in many cancers studied to date, including cancer of the colon, lung, prostate, ovary, and breast.