Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP)
Pentameric 524-kDa non-collagenous extracellular glycoprotein localized in the Territorial matrix of articular cartilage, tendon, and meniscus.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference RangesU/L
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
5.0 - 15.0 U/L
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
<9.0 U/L
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Binds collagen types II and IX to catalyze collagen fibrillogenesis and stabilize articular cartilage fibrillar networks.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (COMP High)
- •Active osteoarthritis cartilage degradation
- •Rheumatoid arthritis joint destruction
- •Acute traumatic meniscus / ACL injury
- •Systemic sclerosis (fibrotic marker)
Low Levels (COMP Low)
- •Preserved articular cartilage architecture (<9.0 U/L)
- •Quiescent joint status
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Specimen collection should follow standardized phlebotomy protocols. Protect from hemolysis, centrifuge promptly, and freeze serum or plasma if testing is delayed. Patient should be in a resting, fasting state where indicated.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker quantification for COMP
- Targeted organ system imaging or functional dynamic testing related to articular cartilage extracellular matrix
- Comprehensive baseline metabolic, renal, and inflammatory assessment (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Molecular Physiology of Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 34190124
- [2]COMP Dynamics in Human Longevity and Precision Medicine - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35422901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) into overall healthspan optimization.