Publications

Abstract BACKGROUND Enhanced de-novo collagen type VI (COL VI) formation has been associated with kidney and cardiovascular fibrosis. We hypothesized that endotrophin (ETP), a product specifically generated during collagen type VI formation, may be prognostic for heart failure (HF), cardiovascular death (CVD), kidney endpoints, and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS We […]

Abstract Circulating fragments of type III collagen, measured by PRO-C3, has shown promising results as a tumor fibrosis biomarker. However, the fibrotic tumor microenvironment consists of many other collagens with diverse functions and unexplored biomarker potential. One example hereof is type XXII collagen (COL22). In this study, we investigated the biomarker potential of COL22 by […]

Abstract BACKGROUND COVID-19 is characterized by a heterogeneous clinical presentation, ranging from mild symptoms to severe courses of disease. 9-20% of hospitalized patients with severe lung disease die from COVID-19 and a substantial number of survivors develop long-COVID. Our objective was to provide comprehensive insights into the pathophysiology of severe COVID-19 and to identify liquid […]

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS Experimental evidence indicates that systemic inflammation (SI) promotes liver fibrogenesis. This study investigated the potential link between SI and fibrogenesis in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). METHODS Serum biomarkers of SI (CRP, IL-6, procalcitonin [PCT]) and extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover (i.e., fibrogenesis/fibrolysis) were analysed in 215 prospectively recruited patients […]

Abstract Timely detection of portal hypertension as a manifestation in a subgroup of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) represents a challenge since it is usually not associated with liver cirrhosis. To identify relevant markers for portal hypertension, we evaluated clinical history, laboratory parameters, and abdominal ultrasound including liver elastography and biomarkers of extracellular matrix […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE We investigated endotrophin, a profibrotic signaling molecule reflecting collagen VI formation, in serum and urine as risk marker for complications to type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Endotrophin was measured in 774 individuals with type 2 diabetes. Outcomes included a composite kidney end point, first major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), mortality, progression […]

Abstract Extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis is highly affected in active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the study was to investigate serological biomarkers of type III, IV, and V collagen degradation and formation, and their association with disease activity in IBD. ECM remodeling serum biomarkers were measured in 162 IBD patients, 110 with Crohn’s […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Endotrophin, a collagen type VI-derived peptide, mediates metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in animal models, but has not been studied in human heart failure (HF). METHODS We examined the association between circulating endotrophin and outcomes in participants suffering from HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) enrolled in the TOPCAT trial (n=205). Associations were […]

Abstract UNLABELLED We describe the collection of cohorts together with the analysis plan for an update of the fracture risk prediction tool FRAX with respect to current and novel risk factors. The resource comprises 2,138,428 participants with a follow-up of approximately 20 million person-years and 116,117 documented incident major osteoporotic fractures. INTRODUCTION The availability of […]

Abstract INTRODUCTION Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the pain subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) are commonly used measuring tools of osteoarthritis (OA) pain. OBJECTIVES The objective of this cross-sectional study was to explore the associations between single-question VAS pain and the weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing domains of WOMAC pain. METHODS […]