Publications

Abstract Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by immune dysregulation, vasculopathy, and excessive extracellular matrix remodeling. Type XVIII collagen in the basement membrane undergoes proteolytic cleavage generating bioactive fragments such as neostatin-7. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel ELISA, NEO7, targeting neostatin-7, an MMP-generated fragment of type XVIII collagen, and to evaluate its […]

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 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 […]

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Abstract BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterised by systemic inflammation and lung tissue damage. In injured lungs, fibroblast activity increases in response to tissue insult and has been shown to be prognostic in fibrotic disease. This study investigated whether fibroblast activity is associated with mortality in severe COVID-19. METHOD […]

Abstract Extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover and neutrophil protease activity contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathobiology, but the prognostic value of circulating neoepitopes for acute exacerbations (AECOPD) is uncertain. In a prospective cohort from the CORTICO-COP trial, the biomarkers C5M and C6M (type V/VI collagen degradation), ELP-3 (proteinase 3-generated elastin fragment), and CPa9-HNE (neutrophil […]

Abstract AIMS Kidney fibrosis, characterised by impaired extracellular matrix remodelling and excessive collagen deposition, is a hallmark of chronic kidney disease in diabetes. We investigated whether biomarkers reflecting collagen formation and degradation were associated with complications in type 1 diabetes. METHODS In this observational cohort study, markers of collagen type III (PRO-C3), VII (PRO-C7) and […]

Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key drivers of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling in the tumor microenvironment (TME), processes that facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. However, CAFs exhibit significant heterogeneity and functional complexity, posing challenges for effective therapeutic targeting. In this study, we evaluated the production of three important ECM proteins – type I […]

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 Obesity is a powerful driver in the development and progression of osteoarthritis (OA), contributing to increased mechanical load and metabolic stress, making it a valuable target for treatment. Weight loss is a cornerstone of OA management, improving patients’ quality of life and disease outcomes. This review examines the potential of dual amylin and calcitonin […]