Publications

Abstract OBJECTIVES Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation that leads to excessive remodeling of the lung extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in release of protein fragments (neo-epitopes) to the blood. Serological markers assessing this have previously been associated with exacerbations of COPD. However, characterization of these in individuals with clinically stable COPD […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE Recurrent flares constitute the main clinical burden of gout. Our aim was to assess whether biomarkers measuring MMP tissue degradation could be used as markers of frequent gout flares. METHODS Fasting plasma samples from 112 men with gout and 170 controls, along with serum samples from 447 men with gout collected at baseline […]

Abstract BACKGROUND An altered tumor microenvironment is one of the earliest signs of cancer and an important driver of the disease. We have seen previously that biomarkers reflecting tumor microenvironment modifications, such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degraded type 1 collagen (C1M), MMP-degraded type IV collagen (C4M), and citrullinated and MMP-degraded vimentin (VICM), were higher in the […]

Abstract The prognostic value of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is believed to vary with age. With an elderly population expecting to triple by 2060, it is important to evaluate the validity of MetS in this age group. We examined the association of MetS risk factors with later risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular […]

Abstract IMPORTANCE Additional therapies are needed for prevention of osteoporotic fractures. Abaloparatide is a selective activator of the parathyroid hormone type 1 receptor. OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy and safety of abaloparatide, 80 μg, vs placebo for prevention of new vertebral fracture in postmenopausal women at risk of osteoporotic fracture. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The […]

Abstract During cancer progression, the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix becomes imbalanced with an excessive collagen remodeling by matrix metalloproteinases. As a consequence, small protein fragments of degraded collagens are released into the circulation. We have investigated the potential of protein fragments of collagen type I, III and IV as novel biomarkers for colorectal cancer. […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Throughout life, inguinal hernia develops in approximately every fourth man, some of whom develop multiple hernias. If patients at risk of developing multiple hernias could be identified by a serologic biomarker, treatment might be able to be tailored and improved. Evidence suggests that abdominal wall hernia formation is associated with altered collagen metabolism. […]

Abstract BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of two biomarkers of tissue inflammation, matrix metalloproteinase-dependent degradation of C-reactive protein (CRPM) and connective tissue type I collagen turnover (C1M), on the incidence and progression of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) in the Rotterdam Study, a prospective cohort. Moreover, the independent effect of these biomarkers with respect […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Renal fibrosis is the hallmark of progression to end-stage kidney disease. Non-invasive biomarkers of renal fibrosis could serve as specific end points in clinical trials and improve monitoring and stratification of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To address this, we measured markers of collagen type III turnover in urine and serum of […]

Abstract Since the first evidence of a decline in dementia incidence was reported in 2011, the focus on modifiable risk factors has increased. The possibility of risk factor intervention as a prevention strategy has been widely discussed; however, further evidence in relation to risk factors is still needed. The Prospective Epidemiologic Risk Factor (PERF I) […]