Publications

Abstract The use of novel tools to understand tumour-fibrosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and novel anti-fibrotic treatments are highly needed. We established a pseudo-3D in vitro model including humane pancreatic fibroblasts (PFs) and pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in combination with clinical collagen biomarkers, as a translational anti-fibrotic drug screening tool. Furthermore, we investigated the […]

Abstract Increased remodeling of the extracellular matrix in malignant tumors has been shown to correlate with tumor aggressiveness and a poor prognosis. This remodeling involves degradation of the original extracellular matrix (ECM) and deposition of a new tumor-supporting ECM. The main constituent of the ECM is collagen and collagen turnover mainly occurs in a sequential […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Insulin resistance plays a relevant role in the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. Irisin is an exercise-induced myokine involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism. Additionally, pre-clinical models have shown a potential role of irisin in the pathogenesis of […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Crohn’s disease (CD) is characterized by excessive protease activity and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. To date, 30-50% of patients experience non-response to anti-TNF-α treatment. This study aimed to assess whether serological biomarkers of ECM turnover could monitor or predict response to infliximab (IFX) induction therapy in patients with and without a surgical history. […]

Abstract Better characterization of the potential kidney transplant recipient using novel biomarkers, for example, pretransplant plasma endotrophin, will lead to improved outcome after transplantation. This mini-review will focus on current knowledge about pretransplant recipients’ characteristics, biomarkers, and immunology. Clinical characteristics of recipients including age, obesity, blood pressure, comorbidities, and estimated survival scores have been introduced […]

Abstract Plasma volume (PV) changes in response to physical activity, possibly as a consequence of adrenergic activation. We estimated changes in PV in response to common exercise modalities; cycling and running as well as adrenaline infusion and control at rest. On separate days, forty circulatory healthy subjects [aged 60 years (range: 42-75)] with knee osteoarthritis underwent […]

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS Binge drinking is associated with an increased risk of liver disease. Morbidity and mortality of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is associated with collagen deposition in the hepatic extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the acute effects of binge drinking on ECM turnover are unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects on hepatic ECM […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the gradual loss of cartilage. Sprifermin, a recombinant FGF18, is being developed as a cartilage anabolic drug. PRO-C2 is a serum marker of type II collagen formation and low levels have been shown to be prognostic of radiographic progression. The aim of the study was to investigate whether […]

Abstract PURPOSE OF REVIEW Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful disease for which drug development has proven difficult. One major reason for this is the heterogeneity of the disease and the current lack of operationalized means to distinguish various disease endotypes (molecular subtypes). Biomarkers measured in blood or urine, reflecting joint tissue turnover, have been developed […]

Abstract In obesity-associated non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), persistent hepatocellular damage and inflammation are key drivers of fibrosis, which is the main determinant of NASH-associated mortality. The short-chain fatty acid butyrate can exert metabolic improvements and anti-inflammatory activities in NASH. However, its effects on NASH-associated liver fibrosis remain unclear. Putative antifibrotic effects of butyrate were studied in […]