Publications

Abstract The last decade has seen a substantial increase in research focused on the identification of blood-based biomarkers that have utility in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Blood-based biomarkers have significant advantages of being time- and cost-efficient as well as reduced invasiveness and increased patient acceptance. Despite these advantages and increased research efforts, the field has been […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling of the lung tissue releases protein fragments into the blood, where they may be detected as serologic surrogate markers of disease activity in COPD. Our goal was to assess the association of ECM turnover with severity and outcome of COPD. METHODS In a prospective, observational, multicenter study including 506 […]

Abstract AIMS/HYPOTHESIS The treatment of type 2 diabetes with full peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists improves insulin sensitivity, but is associated with weight gain, heart failure, peripheral oedema and bone loss. Endotrophin, the C-terminal fragment of the α3 chain of procollagen type VI (also called Pro-C6), is involved in both adipose tissue matrix remodelling […]

Abstract There are no approved treatments for liver fibrosis. To aid development of antifibrotic therapies, noninvasive biomarkers that can identify patients with progressive fibrosis and that permit monitoring of the response to antifibrotic therapy are much needed. Samples from a phase II antifibrotic trial of the glitazone farglitazar in patients with advanced hepatitis C, with […]

Abstract BACKGROUND While morphological patterns differ, the molecular phenotype of liver fibrosis is considered a stereotypical response to chronic liver injury. However, with different cellular triggers and networks regulating fibrosis, the molecular responses of the injured liver may not be identical. AIM To investigate whether differences in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition of the liver during […]

Abstract UNLABELLED Essentials Joint bleeding in hemophilia may induce significant remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Biomarkers of collagen turnover were investigated in a F8 rat model of hemophilic arthropathy. Biomarkers of cartilage degradation increased significantly during development of arthropathy. Basement membrane and interstitial matrix turnover changed significantly following hemarthrosis. SUMMARY Background Hemophilic arthropathy is a […]

Abstract BACKGROUND There is a need to identify individuals with COPD at risk for disease progression and mortality. Lung tissue remodeling is associated with the release of extracellular matrix (ECM) fragments into the peripheral circulation. We hypothesized that ECM remodeling was associated with mortality in COPD and measured neo-epitopes originating from ECM proteins associated with […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE Synovitis is a frequent condition in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and has been associated with pain. This study investigated the links between the pressure hyperalgesia, the clinical pain, the degree of the synovitis, inflammatory biomarkers, and tissue-specific biomarkers in KOA patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-eight KOA patients and 33 pain-free controls participated in this […]

Abstract This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of oral calcitonin (SMC021) for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. A total of 4665 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were randomized 1:1 to receive calcium and vitamin D plus either SMC021 tablets (0.8mg/d) or placebo for 36months. The primary endpoint […]

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 […]