Publications

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS Healing after total hip arthroplasty (THA) involves remodelling of collagenous tissues, such as bone. While collagen protein supplementation has been suggested to modulate bone metabolism, the effects following THA are yet to be investigated. Therefore, we aimed to characterize changes in biomarkers of bone metabolism following THA and to assess the […]

Abstract In Crohn’s disease, extracellular matrix (ECM) dysfunction and loss of tissue integrity are key pathological features. Fibril-associated collagens with interrupted triple helices (FACIT) are known to regulate ECM assembly and mediate biophysical cues in their microenvironment but remain largely understudied. This study aimed to investigate a novel biomarker reflecting remodelling of the FACIT collagen […]

Abstract Fibroblast-driven deposition of extracellular matrix, particularly type III collagen, is linked to poor outcomes in patients with liver fibrosis, fibrotic solid tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer as well as in patients with other fibrotic diseases. The pro-peptide of type III collagen (PRO-C3) serves as a serum biomarker of active collagen formation. […]

Abstract Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are distinct rheumatological diseases with common molecular features. This study explored tissue-associated remodelling endotypes using blood-based biomarkers reflecting interstitial matrix and basement membrane remodelling. Baseline serum samples from radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA) (NCT02437162/NCT02438787) (n = 66), PsA (NCT03158285) (n = 267) and SLE (NCT02349061) (n […]

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 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 AND AIMS Crohn’s disease (CD) is characterized by progressive intestinal transmural damage, including fibrosis and strictures, which impair quality of life and require surgical intervention. No anti-stricture therapies are available, and no accurate biomarkers have been validated allowing prediction of strictures. Collagen fragments synthesis and remodeling show potential as markers of transmural disease […]

Abstract BACKGROUND The collagen-rich tumor stroma plays a crucial role in biliary tract cancer (BTC). Collagen biomarkers of type I collagen (reC1M), type III collagen (PRO-C3), type IV collagen (C4G), type VIII collagen (PRO-C8), type XI collagen (PRO-C11), type XVII collagen (PRO-C17) and type VIII collagen (TUM) may be used as potential non-invasive biomarkers. METHODS […]

Abstract OBJECTIVES Current knowledge on the fibro-inflammatory process underlying chronic pancreatitis originates from animal studies or human studies based on circulating biomarkers. To provide new insight into the underlying fibro-inflammatory processes, we simultaneously assessed fibrosis biomarkers in pancreatic fluid collections and the systemic circulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective observational cross-sectional study included patients with […]