Publications

Abstract BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized as an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease in the central nervous system (CNS), presenting with significant inter- and intra individual heterogeneity. The pathological hallmarks of active MS lesions are blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption, inflammation, and demyelination with axonal damage. Blood-based biomarkers reflecting tissue changes in immunology and/or neurobiology may […]

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 […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Severe and critical COVID-19 is characterized by pulmonary viral infection with SARS-CoV-2 resulting in local and systemic inflammation. Dexamethasone (DEX) has been shown to improve outcomes in critically ill patients; however, its effect on tissue remodeling, particularly collagen turnover, remains unclear. This study investigated the association between circulating extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling neo-epitopes […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Impaired lung function and fibrotic scarring of the lungs following severe COVID-19 infection are well-known manifestations. However, the risk factors and predisposing factors are still unknown. This study explored whether serological biomarkers for collagen synthesis associate with impaired lung function and fibrotic scarring after COVID-19 infection. METHODS In a prospective, observational cohort study […]

Abstract BACKGROUND The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a leading therapeutic target for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)-related fibrosis. INT-767, a potent FXR agonist, has shown promise in preclinical models. We aimed to define the mechanisms of INT-767 activity in experimental MASH and dissect cellular and molecular targets of FXR agonism in human disease. METHODS Leptin-deficient […]

Abstract INTRODUCTION The pathogenesis of sarcoidosis involves tissue remodelling mediated by the accumulation of abnormal extracellular matrix, which is partly the result of an imbalance in collagen synthesis, cross-linking and degradation. During this process, collagen fragments or neoepitopes, are released into the circulation. The significance of these circulating collagen neoepitopes in sarcoidosis remains unknown. METHODS […]

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Abstract Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a common but frequently unrecognized complication of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The association between these conditions is multifaceted and involves complex interactions between metabolic, inflammatory, and genetic factors. Here we assess the underlying structural and molecular processes focusing on the immunological phase of MASH in the nonobese inflammation […]

Abstract Fibrosis, driven by fibroblast activities, is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality in most chronic diseases. Endotrophin, a signaling molecule derived from processing of type VI collagen by highly activated fibroblasts, is involved in fibrotic tissue remodeling. Circulating levels of endotrophin have been associated with an increased risk of mortality in multiple chronic […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Pulmonary fibrosis results from alveolar injury, leading to extracellular matrix remodelling and impaired lung function. This study aimed to classify patients with pulmonary fibrosis according to blood biomarkers to differentiate distinct disease patterns, known as endotypes. METHODS In this cluster analysis, we first classified patients from the PROFILE study, a multicentre, prospective, observational […]