Publications

Abstract BACKGROUND Increased collagen remodelling is a key pathophysiological component underlying intestinal stricture and fistula development in Crohn’s disease (CD). AIMS To investigate associations between serological biomarkers of collagen turnover and disease behaviour according to the Montreal classification in patients with CD. METHODS Serological biomarkers of type III/IV collagen formation (PRO-C3, PRO-C4) and matrix metalloproteinase […]

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Liver fibrosis results from a prolonged wound healing response to continued injury with excessive production of extracellular proteins. In patients with chronic liver disease, the monitoring of liver fibrosis dynamics is of high interest. Whilst markers of fibrogenesis exist, markers of hepatic fibrosis resolution remain an unmet clinical need. Thus, we […]

Abstract Due to activation of fibroblast into cancer-associated fibroblasts, there is often an increased deposition of extracellular matrix and fibrillar collagens, e.g. type III collagen, in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that leads to tumor fibrosis (desmoplasia). Tumor fibrosis is closely associated with treatment response and poor prognosis for patients with solid tumors. To assure that […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Lupus nephritis (LN) occurs in <40% of patients with SLE. Reliable biomarkers of kidney damage are needed to identify patients with SLE at risk of developing LN to improve screening, treat the disease earlier, and halt progression to kidney failure. Novel biomarkers of extracellular matrix remodeling were evaluated as markers of kidney fibrosis […]

Abstract To investigate the association between markers of synovial inflammation and matrix turnover (MRI-based and serum biomarkers) and knee symptoms in established knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This cross-sectional study utilised data from a randomised, multicentre placebo-controlled trial (UK-VIDEO) of vitamin D therapy in symptomatic KOA. Data on serum biomarkers, type III collagen degradation (C3M), metabolite of […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by the accumulation of fibrillar collagens in the alveolar space resulting in reduced pulmonary function and a high mortality rate. Biomarkers measuring the turnover of type I and III collagen could provide valuable information for prognosis and treatment decisions in IPF. METHODS Serological biomarkers reflecting the formation […]

Abstract BACKGROUND The signalling peptide endotrophin is derived through proteolytic cleavage of the carboxyl-terminal during formation of type VI collagen. It is expressed by most descendants of the mesenchymal stem cells lineage, including adipocytes and fibroblasts, and have been proposed to be a central extracellular matrix hormone associated with several age-related diseases. We aimed to […]

Abstract INTRODUCTION Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease is common, with fibrosis the major determinant of adverse outcomes. Population-based screening tools with high diagnostic accuracy for the staging of fibrosis are lacking. METHODS Three independent cohorts, 2 with both liver biopsy and liver stiffness measurements (LSMs, n = 254 and 65) and a population sample (n = […]

Abstract A desmoplastic colorectal cancer stroma, characterized by excess turnover of the cancer-associated fibroblast derived collagens type III and VI, can lead to reduced drug-uptake and poor treatment response. We investigated the association between biomarkers of collagen type III and VI and overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Serum samples were […]

Abstract Hyaluronan (HA) and collagen are highly expressed in pancreatic cancer (PC) stroma. HA and collagen accumulation increase tumor interstitial fluid pressure, compromising blood flow and drug penetration. The aim of this biomarker study was to determine the clinical utility of serum HA and the propeptide of type III collagen (PRO-C3) in patients with PC. […]