Publications

Abstract INTRODUCTION Epiphyseal growth plate development is stimulated by GH and IGF-I. Serum IGF-I is applied as an efficacy and safety marker, monitoring growth in short GH-treated children. However, IGF-I offers poor guidance to clinicians, especially in children without growth hormone deficiency. Thus, novel biomarkers reflecting endogenous and GH-induced linear growth are needed. We evaluated […]

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with atherosclerosis and formation of arterial plaques being a major underlying cause. Rupture or erosion of the plaque fibrous cap can result in thrombus formation, arterial occlusion, and a stroke or myocardial infarction. Plaque changes, and endothelial cell barrier leakiness, may result in material leakage, […]

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS Prognostic non-invasive tests for liver-related events in compensated cirrhosis are needed. Endotrophin, a fragment of type VI alpha 3 collagen involved in fibrosis and inflammation, has been associated with adverse outcomes in several chronic diseases. This study examined the association between baseline endotrophin levels, measured by nordicPRO-C6 (PRO-C6), and liver-related events […]

Abstract In type 2 diabetes (T2D), kidney fibrosis drives the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure. Lower urinary levels of collagen type III degradation (C3M), a biomarker of extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, have been associated with CKD progression. We investigated the effect of combination therapy with renin-angiotensin system inhibition (RASi) and glucagon-like […]

Abstract There is a need for robust evaluations of noninvasive biomarkers for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. This prospective multicenter study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of imaging (including liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and FibroScan (vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE)), serum biomarkers (including NIS2+) and composite scores (including Agile 3+ and Agile […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Extracellular matrix (ECM) dysregulation is a key process in the pathology of COPD. However, an inability to characterise ECM remodelling in vivo has limited our understanding of its relationship with functional decline and disease mechanisms. We aimed to quantify in vivo ECM remodelling using probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) and determine associations with […]

Abstract The interindividual variability in peak fat oxidation (PFO) and the intensity at which this occurs (Fat) has been attributed to physiological factors, diet and physical activity; however, few studies have examined the contribution of skeletal muscle characteristics. The present study examined the relationship between PFO, Fat and the skeletal muscle proteome in young, physically […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Early diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) fibrosis may prevent liver-related morbidity and mortality. We investigated the effectiveness of multiple 2-step approaches for detecting at-risk advanced MASLD fibrosis, defined as a hierarchical clinical score comprising liver histology and VCTE depending on availability, in primary and hospital outpatient care. METHODS Patients at […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is an uncommon malignancy with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. BTC is typically characterized by a desmoplastic, collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM), which has been linked to immune exclusion and therapy resistance. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) combined with gemcitabine/cisplatin have become first-line treatment for advanced BTC, durable responses […]

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Betaine, 20 g/day for 12 months, reduced liver injury in several trials in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our aim was to determine the safety and efficacy of lower doses of betaine in clinically diagnosed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and an elevated ALT. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed 3 pilot trials in […]