Publications

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Previous studies have indicated the utility of the ADAM10-generated fragment of tau, Tau-A, as marker of neuronal damage. However, the sensitivity of the ELISA-based system was limited. OBJECTIVES We utilized the extensive dynamic range of electrochemiluminescence compared to colorimetric assessment to improve the sensitivity of the Tau-A assay and investigate Tau-A levels after […]

Abstract OBJECTIVES Osteoarthritis (OA) patient stratification is an important challenge to design tailored treatments and drive drug development. Biochemical markers reflecting joint tissue turnover were measured in the IMI-APPROACH cohort at baseline and analysed using a machine learning approach in order to study OA-dominant phenotypes driven by the endotype-related clusters and discover the driving features […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE To examine the association of body mass index (BMI) with pain in people with hand osteoarthritis (OA), and explore whether this association, if causal, is mediated by systemic inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS In 281 Nor-Hand study participants, we estimated associations between BMI and hand pain, as measured by the Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN; […]

Abstract Metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects a third of the population and is a leading cause of liver-related death. Since no effective treatments exist, novel approaches to drug development are required. Unfortunately, outdated terminology and definitions of the disease are hampering efforts to develop new drugs and treatments. An international consensus panel has […]

Abstract CONTEXT Guidelines recommend blood-based fibrosis biomarkers to identify advanced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is particularly prevalent in patients with obesity. OBJECTIVE To study whether the degree of obesity affects the performance of liver fibrosis biomarkers in NAFLD. DESIGN Cross-sectional cohort study comparing simple fibrosis scores [Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4); NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS); […]