Publications

Abstract The interaction among extracellular matrix (ECM) components (proteoglycans, elastin, laminins, collagens and metalloproteinases) is important for maintaining homeostasis of the skin. However, in chronic inflammatory diseases, tissue homeostasis is disrupted by having an uncontrolled remodelling of the ECM, resulting in an imbalance of its composition and functionality. In these pathologies, there is a dysregulation […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling in advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) is characterised by hepatic fibrosis and (sinusoidal) basement membrane development contributing to portal hypertension (PH) and clinical complications. METHODS Patients with stable ACLD (n = 232) undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement were included. Blood biomarkers reflecting fibrosis formation (PRO-C3, PRO-C6, PRO-C4 and PRO-C18L) […]

Abstract INTRODUCTION Osteoarthritis (OA) involves an inflammatory component, presenting as synovitis and systemic low-grade inflammation. Preliminary evidence suggests that anti-inflammatory treatments may offer symptomatic and structural benefits in OA. More targeted approaches have been proposed and tested, but the means of identifying the clinical and molecular characteristics of patients with an inflammatory subtype remains unclear. […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by an increase in proteolytic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and markers of localized inflammation. Protein fragments (neoepitopes) are detectable in the circulation. RESEARCH QUESTION Can short-term trajectories of neoepitopes following initiation of antifibrotic treatment predict therapy-related outcomes including mortality in […]

Abstract The aim of this international meta-analysis was to quantify the predictive value of BMI for incident fracture and relationship of this risk with age, sex, follow-up time, and BMD. A total of 1 667 922 men and women from 32 countries (63 cohorts), followed for a total of 16.0 million person-years were studied. 293 325 had FN […]

Abstract Insulin is the major endocrine hormone responsible for regulating whole-body glucose homeostasis by regulating glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive tissue. Obesity is one of the main factors initiating the development of insulin resistance through increased adipose tissue size, inflammation, and ectopic fat deposition in insulin-sensitive tissues. Inflammation and fat accumulation are key drivers for losing […]

Abstract BACKGROUND While coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is primarily a respiratory infection, few studies have characterised the immune response to COVID-19 in lung tissue. We sought to understand the pathogenic role of microenvironmental interactions and the extracellular matrix in post-mortem COVID-19 lung using an integrative multi-omic approach. METHODS Post-mortem formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lung tissue from fatal […]

Abstract UNLABELLED In the largest meta-analysis of international cohorts to date, a family history of fracture is confirmed as a significant BMD-independent predictor of future fracture risk. Parental and sibling histories of fracture carry the same significance for future fracture, including the impact of family hip fracture on future hip fracture risk. PURPOSE We have […]

Abstract Insulin is the major endocrine hormone responsible for regulating whole-body glucose homeostasis by regulating glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive tissue. Obesity is one of the main factors initiating the development of insulin resistance through increased adipose tissue size, inflammation, and ectopic fat deposition in insulin-sensitive tissues. Inflammation and fat accumulation are key drivers for losing […]

Abstract Insulin is the major endocrine hormone responsible for regulating whole-body glucose homeostasis by regulating glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive tissue. Obesity is one of the main factors initiating the development of insulin resistance through increased adipose tissue size, inflammation, and ectopic fat deposition in insulin-sensitive tissues. Inflammation and fat accumulation are key drivers for losing […]