Serological biomarkers of type I, III and IV collagen turnover are associated with the presence and future progression of stricturing and penetrating Crohn’s disease.

August 1, 2022

Aliment Pharmacol Ther

Abstract BACKGROUND Increased collagen remodelling is a key pathophysiological component underlying intestinal stricture and fistula development in Crohn’s disease (CD). AIMS To investigate associations between serological biomarkers of collagen turnover and disease behaviour according to the Montreal classification in patients with CD. METHODS Serological biomarkers of type III/IV collagen formation (PRO-C3, PRO-C4) and matrix metalloproteinase […]

Read publication

Serological Biomarkers of Extracellular Matrix Turnover and Neutrophil Activity Are Associated with Long-Term Use of Vedolizumab in Patients with Crohn’s Disease.

July 23, 2022

Int J Mol Sci

Abstract Crohn’s disease (CD) is a relapsing-remitting inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract characterized by increased extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. The introduction of the α4β7-integrin inhibitor vedolizumab (VEDO) has improved disease management, although there is a high rate of primary non-response in patients with CD. We studied whether ECM biomarkers of neutrophil activity and […]

Read publication

An MMP-degraded and cross-linked fragment of type III collagen as a non-invasive biomarker of hepatic fibrosis resolution.

July 1, 2022

Liver Int

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Liver fibrosis results from a prolonged wound healing response to continued injury with excessive production of extracellular proteins. In patients with chronic liver disease, the monitoring of liver fibrosis dynamics is of high interest. Whilst markers of fibrogenesis exist, markers of hepatic fibrosis resolution remain an unmet clinical need. Thus, we […]

Read publication

Extracellular matrix protein turnover markers are associated with axial spondyloarthritis-a comparison with postpartum women and other non-axial spondyloarthritis controls with or without back pain.

June 23, 2022

Arthritis Res Ther

Abstract BACKGROUND Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a common chronic inflammatory disease, associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling of the cartilage, bone, and connective tissues. The primary symptom of axSpA is back pain, caused by inflammation. However, there is a medical need to truly identify patients with axSpA from other subjects with buttock or low back […]

Read publication

Adipose-derived stromal cells increase the formation of collagens through paracrine and juxtacrine mechanisms in a fibroblast co-culture model utilizing macromolecular crowding.

June 11, 2022

Stem Cell Res Ther

Abstract BACKGROUND Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) possess a multitude of regenerative capabilities, which include immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and stimulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. However, the underlying mechanisms leading to ECM remodeling remain largely elusive and highlight the need for functional in vitro models for mode of action studies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was […]

Read publication

Serologically assessed heat shock protein 47 is related to fibrosis stage in early compensated alcohol-related liver disease.

June 1, 2022

Clin Biochem

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Heat shock protein (HSP)47 is a collagen-specific chaperone, essential for the correct formation of fibrillar procollagens. Collagen accumulation in the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a hallmark of fibrogenesis. The expression of HSP47 is proportional to the rate of collagen formation. Thus, HSP47 is a potential drug target for fibrotic diseases. We […]

Read publication

Are fatty acids associated with disease activity and biomarkers in patients with psoriatic arthritis? Data from a multicenter clinical trial.

June 1, 2022

Rheumatol Int

Abstract The pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) involves inflammation and bone and soft tissue turnover. Dietary fatty acids have previously been associated with pro-inflammatory effects induced by saturated fatty acids (SFA) and anti-inflammatory effects achieved by at least some polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The aim of the study was to investigate the correlations between the […]

Read publication

Circulating Levels of Endotrophin Are Prognostic for Long-Term Mortality after AKI.

May 26, 2022

Kidney360

Abstract BACKGROUND AKI involves a rapid decrease in kidney function that may be associated with structural damage. Early markers predicting AKI are emerging, but tools to assess patients’ long-term health risks after AKI are still lacking. Endotrophin (ETP) is a bioactive molecule released during the formation of collagen type VI. We evaluated the potential of […]

Read publication

Endotrophin, a collagen type VI-derived matrikine, reflects the degree of renal fibrosis in patients with IgA nephropathy and in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis.

May 25, 2022

Nephrol Dial Transplant

Abstract BACKGROUND Renal fibrosis is the hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is characterized by an imbalanced extracellular matrix remodelling. Endotrophin (ETP) is a signalling molecule released from collagen type VI (COL VI). ETP can be measured by the PRO-C6 assay, which quantifies the levels of COL VI formation. ETP levels were previously associated […]

Read publication