Publications

Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in maintaining normal tissue function. Collagens are major components of the ECM and there is a tight equilibrium between degradation and formation of these proteins ensuring tissue health and homeostasis. As a consequence of tissue turnover, small collagen fragments are released into the circulation, which act […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Truncated tau appears to be specifically related to disease pathology and recent studies have shown the presence and elevation of several truncated tau species in Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of subjects with Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the relevance of truncated Tau measurements in blood is still being studied. OBJECTIVE The aim of the current […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have increased risk of development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and early mortality. Fibrosis is the central pathogenic process in CKD and is caused by dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. The laminin γ1 chain (LAMC1) is a core structural protein present in the basement membrane of several […]

Abstract The matricellular protein SPARC (secreted proteome acidic and rich in cysteine) is known to bind collagens and regulate fibrillogenesis. Cleavage of SPARC at a single peptide bond, increases the affinity for collagens up to 20-fold. To investigate if this specific cleavage has pathological relevance in fibrotic disorders, we developed a competitive ELISA targeting the […]

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Macrophages play a significant role in chronic liver disease as reflected by elevated soluble (s)CD163 and mannose receptor (sMR) levels and associated with liver disease severity and prognosis. Extracellular matrix remodelling associated with fibrogenesis may be affected by systemic inflammation induced by bacterial translocation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect […]

Abstract Renal fibrosis is the central pathogenic process in progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Collagen type VI (COL VI) is upregulated in renal fibrosis. Endotrophin is released from COL VI and promotes pleiotropic pro-fibrotic effects. Kidney disease severity varies considerably and accurate information regarding CKD progression may improve clinical decisions. We tested the hypothesis […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV) is important for defining severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Serological neoepitope markers of collagen turnover may predict rate of change in FEV. METHODS One thousand COPD subjects from the observational, multicentre, three-year ECLIPSE (Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate Endpoints) […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Hyperglycaemia increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and is influenced by weight. However, the impact of preceding weight change on blood glycemia levels in late-life is less well understood. AIM We studied the interplay between weight change and risk of hyperglycaemia in a prospective cohort of elderly women. […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE To investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ABT-981, a human dual variable domain immunoglobulin simultaneously targeting interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-1β, in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHOD This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center study of multiple subcutaneous (SC) injections of ABT-981 in patients with mild-to-moderate OA of the knee (NCT01668511). […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of dietary weight loss, with and without exercise, on selected soluble biomarkers in overweight and obese older adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN Blood samples were analyzed from 429 participants in the Intensive Diet and Exercise for Arthritis (IDEA) trial randomized to either an 18 month exercise control […]