Publications

Abstract OBJECTIVES To investigate whether serum C1M and C2M, biochemical markers of synovial and cartilage tissue destruction, were associated with progression of joint damage in patients with early arthritis. METHODS 813 early arthritis patients (<6 months of symptoms, 82% with rheumatoid arthritis, 18% undifferentiated arthritis) from the prospective ESPOIR study were followed for 5 years. […]

Abstract The interaction among extracellular matrix (ECM) elements components -proteoglycans, elastin, laminins, collagens, and metalloproteinases- is important to maintain homeostasis of the skin. However, in chronic inflammatory diseases, tissue homeostasis is disrupted by having an uncontrolled remodeling of the ECM, resulting in a disbalance of its composition and functionality. In these pathologies, there is a […]

Abstract BACKGROUND There is a need to identify peripheral biomarkers reflective of defined disease associated fibroblasts in Ulcerative Colitis (UC), with the aim of enabling clinical development approaches for novel-stromal-targeted therapeutics for individuals at risk for fibrostenotic complications. Additionally, longitudinal non-invasive biomarkers of tissue remodelling, fibroblast biology and pharmacodynamic measurements are needed in the clinic […]

Abstract The precision-cut lung slice (PCLS) model is an ex vivo tissue system that has been used to model disease and examine the effects of exogenous compounds. Few studies have been carried out on the complement of proteins (proteome) and peptides (peptidome) secreted by PCLS and other tissue sections, during tissue culture, although such data […]

Abstract Fibrosis is a pathological condition characterised by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, particularly collagens, leading to tissue scarring and organ dysfunction. In fibrosis, an imbalance between collagen synthesis (fibrogenesis) and degradation (fibrolysis) results in the deposition of fibrillar collagens disrupting the structural integrity of the ECM and, consequently, tissue architecture. Fibrosis is […]

Abstract Anti-obesity medications have reached new heights in terms of efficacy, with presently available pharmacological options almost reaching the efficacy of the surgical techniques, and thus these are starting to fill the treatment void. Because of the increased weight loss efficacy, benefits on a host of obesity complications are being reported, with prevention of diabetes, […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Given the heterogeneity of advanced chronic liver disease, assessing disease activity-related biomarkers could aid in classifying cirrhosis endotypes for better patient monitoring and treatment selection. AIM To investigate cirrhosis endotypes described by disease activity biomarkers related to fibrogenesis, immune cell activity, apoptosis, and systemic inflammation. METHODS The study included plasma EDTA samples from […]

Abstract Impaired gut barrier function may lead to progression of liver fibrosis in people with alcohol-related liver disease. The postbiotic ReFerm® can lower gut barrier permeability and may thereby  reduce fibrosis formation. Here, we report the results from an open-labelled, single centre randomized controlled trial where 56 patients with advanced, compensated, alcohol-related liver disease were assigned […]

Abstract Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is characterized by mucosal injury in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. During an abnormal immune response in the GI tract, excessive secretion of immune-cell proteases occurs. Neutrophils are the first responders, infiltrating into the inflamed interstitial matrix, where type III collagen accumulates. We aimed to develop a biomarker that reflects early […]

Abstract Pain is a common symptom of fibrous dysplasia (FD), a rare mosaic disorder characterized by fibro-osseous lesions in the bone. Despite the prevalence of pain in FD patients, there is little knowledge about the nociceptive mechanisms and few efficacious treatments. As such, understanding FD pain is essential for patient care. The overall aim of […]