Publications

Abstract Tumour progression fundamentally disrupts extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis, generating circulating molecular signatures that reflect the integrated activities of cancer cells, stromal fibroblasts and infiltrating immune populations. These tumour ECM-derived fragments comprise specific protease-generated neo-epitopes of collagens, proteoglycans and glycoproteins, and provide dynamic, real-time readouts of microenvironmental remodelling that distinguish them from other classes of […]

Abstract PURPOSE Obesity causes mechanical stress and metabolic dysfunction. However, the relationship between obesity and osteoarthritis (OA) pain still needs further investigation. This study aims to examine the effect of weight loss on pain and function through a secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind, multicenter OA trial and to evaluate obesity’s impact on OA pain […]

Abstract Desmoplastic tumors show extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling driven by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), contributing to tumor progression and treatment resistance. Type XI collagen is elevated in tumor stroma and linked to poor prognosis. This study examined two complementary type XI collagen epitopes: the circulating biomarker PRO-C11 and the matrix-associated epitope CT11a1, including its potential […]

Abstract Type VI collagen (COL6) is a key extracellular matrix protein that supports matrix organization and cell-matrix interactions, yet its regulation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains poorly understood. Here, we characterize COL6 gene expression, spatial localization, remodeling, and functional effects of COL6-derived fragments. Analysis of publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data from 30 control subjects […]

Abstract BACKGROUND The advent of regulatory-approved pharmacological treatments for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) calls for precise, non-invasive biomarkers that facilitate early diagnosis, support therapy selection, and aid clinical trial enrolment. The European multicentre LITMUS study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a broad range of non-invasive biomarkers for identifying patients with metabolic […]

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 OBJECTIVE Carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is a severe fibrotic complication affecting cardiac valves in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). Early detection is crucial to improve prognosis. The value of the recommended screening biomarker, NT-proBNP, is uncertain. Biomarkers reflecting extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling may capture early fibrogenesis. We aimed to evaluate circulating ECM biomarkers for […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE To provide a practical framework for understanding biomarker principles and applications in osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS We summarize current biomarker science and highlight advances since the 2022 Fundamentals in OA biomarkers review. RESULTS OA biomarker research has evolved from single-analyte studies to large-scale proteomics, multi-omics, and predictive modeling, while established extracellular matrix biomarkers remain […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE To evaluate the emerging role of obesity pharmacotherapies, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and multi-agonists, in osteoarthritis (OA) management, by examining the interpretation of pain outcomes, potential structural joint effects, the importance of weight-loss quality, implications for time to total joint replacement (TJR), and the patient populations most likely to benefit from […]

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, […]