Publications

Abstract Articular cartilage is a connective tissue consisting of a specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) that dominates the bulk of its wet and dry weight. Type II collagen and aggrecan are the main ECM proteins in cartilage. However, little attention has been paid to less abundant molecular components, especially minor collagens, including type IV, VI, IX, […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Misbalances in extracellular matrix turnover are key factors in the development of stricturing (Montreal B2) and penetrating (Montreal B3) Crohn’s disease. AIM To determine whether serological markers for collagen formation and degradation could serve as biomarkers for complications of Crohn’s disease. METHODS Serum biomarkers for type I, III, V and VI collagen formation […]

Abstract INTRODUCTION Progressive arthropathy caused by recurrent joint bleeds is a severe complication in haemophilia. AIM We investigated whether biomarkers of cartilage and bone degradation, and inflammation were altered in haemophilia patients and whether these biomarkers could identify haemophilia patients with arthropathy. METHODS Serum from 35 haemophilia patients with varying degrees of arthropathy and 43 […]

Abstract Little is known about local and systemic biomarkers in relation to synovitis and pain in end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) patients. We investigated the associations between the novel extracellular matrix biomarker, C1M, and local and systemic interleukin 6 (IL-6) with synovitis and pain. Serum C1M, plasma, and synovial fluid IL-6 (p-IL-6, sf-IL-6) were measured in 104 […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE Establish a biomarker panel associated with all-cause total joint replacement (TJR) through identification of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) who do or do not progress to TJR and investigate effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). DESIGN Serum samples from patients enrolled in phase III trials of tanezumab who experienced TJR (n = 174) or matched patients […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Renal fibrogenesis is associated with increased ECM remodeling and release of collagen fragments in urine in progressive renal disease. We investigated the diagnostic value of urinary collagen degradation products in a proteinuria-driven fibrosis rat model with and without anti-fibrotic S1P-receptor modulator FTY720 treatment. METHODS Proteinuria was induced in male Wistar rats by Adriamycin […]

Abstract PURPOSE The aim of this “Year in Review” article is to summarize and discuss the implications of biochemical marker related articles published between the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) 2015 Congress in Seattle and the OARSI 2016 Congress in Amsterdam. METHODS The PubMed/MEDLINE bibliographic database was searched using the combined keywords: ‘biomarker’ and ‘osteoarthritis’. […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow obstruction and loss of lung tissue mainly consisting of extracellular matrix (ECM). Three of the main ECM components are type I collagen, the main constituent in the interstitial matrix, type VI collagen, and elastin, the signature protein of the lungs. During pathological remodeling driven […]

Abstract Kidney allograft failure due to chronic injury/rejection remains the main cause of graft loss in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Here, we investigated whether specific biomarkers of extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover are associated with allograft function and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage in RTR. Seventy-eight patients who attended the University Medical Center Groningen for a […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and early mortality. The underlying pathophysiological processes are not entirely understood but may include dysregulation of extracellular matrix formation with accelerated systemic and renal fibrosis. We assessed the relationship between endotrophin (ETP), a marker of collagen type VI […]