Publications

Abstract INTRODUCTION Osteoarthritis (OA) involves an inflammatory component, presenting as synovitis and systemic low-grade inflammation. Preliminary evidence suggests that anti-inflammatory treatments may offer symptomatic and structural benefits in OA. More targeted approaches have been proposed and tested, but the means of identifying the clinical and molecular characteristics of patients with an inflammatory subtype remains unclear. […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Fibrostenotic stricturing disease affects 30-50% of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), leading to intestinal resection. Currently, there exists a great medical need to identify biomarkers related to fibrostenotic strictures for optimized patient management. Thus, we investigated PRO-C16 as a biomarker for intestinal fibrosis in patients with CD. METHODS Human serum from two independent […]

Abstract OBJECTIVES In systemic sclerosis patients (SSc), we aimed at exploring the potential of serum biomarkers of fibrosis and immune-cell activity to detect subclinical heart involvement determined by electrocardiographic (ECG) alterations. METHODS A panel of extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover biomarkers quantifying type III and VI collagen formation (PRO-C3 and PRO-C6), type IV collagen turnover (PRO-C4), […]

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 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 OBJECTIVE The inflammatory endotype is arguably one of the most well-established endotype in osteoarthritis (OA). While endotyping holds promise for advancing drug development, numerous potential challenges must be considered, addressed and resolved before successful clinical outcomes can be achieved. DESIGN Since 2017, the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) has hosted the Clinical Trials Symposium […]

Abstract Inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, is characterized by physical function impairment. This becomes apparent even before arthritis onset, as in psoriasis (PsO). Chronic inflammation triggers an accelerated remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in released ECM fragments detectable in blood. We aimed to investigate levels of blood-based ECM biomarkers in […]

Abstract Remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a continuous process necessary for maintaining skin tissue architecture and function. Disruption of type VII and XVII collagen turnover within the ECM is a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (AD). To investigate the turnover of type VII and XVII collagens […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by microvasculopathy, autoantibody production, and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Disrupted collagen turnover in SSc leads to excessive collagen accumulation, but the remodeling of type VII collagen, a key component of the skin’s basement membrane, is not well understood. This study investigates […]

Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the common denominator of more than 50 chronic diseases. Some of these chronic pathologies lead to enhanced tissue formation and deposition, whereas others are associated with increased tissue degradation, and some exhibit a combination of both, leading to severe tissue alterations. To develop effective therapies for diseases affecting the […]