Publications

Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) deposit and remodel collagens in the tumor stroma, impacting cancer progression and efficacy of interventions. CAFs are the focus of new therapeutics with the aim of normalizing the tumor microenvironment. To do this, a better understanding of CAF heterogeneity and collagen composition in cancer is needed. In this study, we sought […]

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS The N-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (PRO-C3) assay measures a pro-peptide released during type III collagen synthesis, an important feature of arterial stiffening and atherogenesis. There is a clinical need for improved non-invasive, cheap and easily accessible methods for evaluating individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, […]

Abstract Citrullinated vimentin has been linked to several chronic and autoimmune diseases, but how citrullinated vimentin is associated with disease prevalence and genetic variants in a clinical setting remains unknown. The aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the genetic variants and pathologies associated with citrullinated and MMP-degraded vimentin. Patient Registry […]

Abstract Rheumatic joints have an altered cartilage turnover. Cartilage intermediate layer protein 1 (CILP-1) is secreted from articular chondrocytes and deposited into the cartilage extracellular matrix. We developed an immunoassay targeting a Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-generated neo-epitope of CILP-1, named CILP-M. Human articular cartilage was cleaved with proteolytic enzymes and CILP-M levels were measured. We also […]

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Endothelial dysfunction and portal hypertension (PH) are reflected by increased von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF-Ag) levels in advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). This study investigated VWF release and cleavage and their association with PH and clinical outcomes. METHODS Levels of VWF-Ag, VWF-N (VWF-propeptide), and VWF-A (VWF processed by the main VWF-cleaving […]

Abstract UNLABELLED A large international meta-analysis using primary data from 64 cohorts has quantified the increased risk of fracture associated with a previous history of fracture for future use in FRAX. INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to quantify the fracture risk associated with a prior fracture on an international basis and to explore […]

Abstract Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Current treatments target neuroinflammation, but only limit the disease progression by reducing brain atrophy and a worsening in neurodegenerative damage. A blood-based biomarker of neutrophil activity, CPa9-HNE, holds the potential as a diagnostic biomarker in MS. We evaluated the CPa9-HNE […]

Abstract OBJECTIVES To assess basement membrane remodelling in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by studying serum levels of type IV collagen (C4M) and laminin (LG1M) fragments and their association with disease profile. METHODS One hundred and six SLE patients without and 20 with previous cardiovascular events were included. One hundred and twenty male and female blood […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the esophagus, characterized by extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrotic stricture formation. Disease monitoring requires multiple re-endoscopies with esophageal biopsies. Hence non-invasive methods for determining tissue fibrosis and treatment efficacy are warranted. AIMS To investigate the ability of extracellular matrix proteins in serum as […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Collagens are the major components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are known to contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. There are 28 different types of collagens each with unique functions in maintaining tissue structure and function. Type XVII collagen (BP180) is a type II transmembrane protein that provides stable adhesion between epithelial […]