Publications

Abstract BACKGROUND While coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is primarily a respiratory infection, few studies have characterised the immune response to COVID-19 in lung tissue. We sought to understand the pathogenic role of microenvironmental interactions and the extracellular matrix in post-mortem COVID-19 lung using an integrative multi-omic approach. METHODS Post-mortem formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lung tissue from fatal […]

Abstract BACKGROUND The primary aim of this study is to investigate the impact of MBS induced weight loss on cognition, and secondary investigate the impact of this weight loss on adipokines, inflammatory factors, vascular markers, mood and physical activity three years after MBS. METHODS This observational study assessed data from 107 patients with severe obesity […]

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 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease predominantly of the small airways and parenchyma. COPD lungs exhibit an influx of circulating innate immune cells, which, when isolated, display impaired functions, including imbalanced protease secretion. In addition to immune cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in COPD pathology. Remodeling […]

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 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 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 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 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 […]