Publications

Abstract BACKGROUND Given the heterogeneity of advanced chronic liver disease, assessing disease activity-related biomarkers could aid in classifying cirrhosis endotypes for better patient monitoring and treatment selection. AIM To investigate cirrhosis endotypes described by disease activity biomarkers related to fibrogenesis, immune cell activity, apoptosis, and systemic inflammation. METHODS The study included plasma EDTA samples from […]

Abstract The NC1 domains of collagens have been shown to possess antiangiogenic potential and, therefore, are of therapeutic interest for cancer. However, endostatin and other NC1 domains have not been successful in clinical tests. Therefore, we used evolutionary conservation to perform molecular deconstruction of the domains to further understand their structure-activity relationship, thereby deciphering their […]

Abstract Collagen type I (COL1) is the most abundant protein in the human body and is a main component in the extracellular matrix. The COL1 structure vastly influences normal tissue homeostasis, and changes in the matrix drive progression in multiple diseases. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in many Western […]

Abstract Fibrosis, driven by fibroblast activities, is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality in most chronic diseases. Endotrophin, a signaling molecule derived from processing of type VI collagen by highly activated fibroblasts, is involved in fibrotic tissue remodeling. Circulating levels of endotrophin have been associated with an increased risk of mortality in multiple chronic […]

Abstract Our overview covers several key areas related to recent results obtained for collagen type VI and endotrophin (ETP). (1) An introduction to the history of ETP, including how it was identified, how it is released, and its function and potential receptors. (2) An introduction to the collagen family, with a focus on what differentiates […]

Abstract BACKGROUND AKI involves a rapid decrease in kidney function that may be associated with structural damage. Early markers predicting AKI are emerging, but tools to assess patients’ long-term health risks after AKI are still lacking. Endotrophin (ETP) is a bioactive molecule released during the formation of collagen type VI. We evaluated the potential of […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Renal fibrosis is the hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is characterized by an imbalanced extracellular matrix remodelling. Endotrophin (ETP) is a signalling molecule released from collagen type VI (COL VI). ETP can be measured by the PRO-C6 assay, which quantifies the levels of COL VI formation. ETP levels were previously associated […]

Abstract Delayed graft function after kidney transplantation is common and increases morbidity and health care costs. There is evidence that endotrophin, a specific fragment of pro-collagen type VI, promotes the inflammatory response in kidney diseases. We tested the hypothesis that pretransplant endotrophin in kidney transplant recipients may be associated with the risk of delayed graft […]

Abstract PURPOSE To investigate acute changes in biochemical markers of bone and cartilage turnover in response to moderate intensity exercise with and without joint impact in healthy human subjects. METHODS A randomized, cross-over, exploratory, clinical study was conducted. Twenty healthy subjects with no history of joint trauma completed 30 min interventions of standardized moderate intensity cycling […]

Abstract Increased turnover of extracellular matrix proteins is seen in many different diseases and is an underlying and driving feature of pathogenesis. An increased ratio of formation over degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagens, leads to accumulation of proteins in the tissues, ultimately impairing organ function. Understanding how this balance is regulated is […]