Interesting facts on collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. It is the substance that holds the body together. Collagen forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure. Endogenous collagen is natural collagen, synthesized by the body. Exogenous collagen is synthetic. It comes from an outside source, such as supplements. Endogenous collagen has a number of important functions. Breakdown and depletion is linked to a number of health problems. Exogenous collagen is used for medical and cosmetic purposes, including the repair of body tissues.

• Collagen occurs throughout the body, but especially in the skin, bones, and connective tissues.
• Some types of collagen fibrils, gram-for-gram, are stronger than steel.
• Collagen production declines with age and exposure to factors such as smoking and UV light.
• Collagen can be used in collagen dressings, to attract new skin cells to wound sites.
• Cosmetic lotions that claim to increase collagen levels are unlikely to do so, as collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin.

Collagen is a hard, insoluble, and fibrous protein that makes up one-third of the protein in the human body. In most collagens, the molecules are packed together to form long, thin fibrils. These act as supporting structures and anchor cells to each other. They give the skin strength and elasticity.

There are at least 16 different types of collagen, but 80 to 90 percent of them belong to types 1, 2, and 3. These different types have different structures and functions. The collagens in the human body are strong and flexible. Type 1 collagen fibrils are particularly capable of being stretched. Gram-for-gram, they are stronger than steel.

• Collagen is secreted by various cells, but mainly by connective tissue cells.
• It is found in the extracellular matrix. This is an intricate network of macromolecules that determines the physical properties of body tissues.
• A macromolecule is a molecule containing a large number of atoms.
• With age, collagen weakens, leading to wrinkles and cartilage problems.
• In the dermis, or the middle layer of skin, collagen helps form a fibrous network of cells called fibroblasts, upon which new cells can grow. It also plays a role in replacing and restoring dead skin cells.
• Some collagens act as protective coverings for delicate organs in the body, such as the kidneys.
• With age, the body produces less collagen. The structural integrity of the skin declines. Wrinkles form, and joint cartilage weakens.
• Women experience a dramatic reduction in collagen synthesis after menopause.
• By the age of 60 years, a considerable decline in collagen production is normal.
• Collagen for medical use can originate from humans, cows, pigs, or sheep.

Collagen can help heal wounds by attracting new skin cells to the wound site. It promotes healing and provides a platform for new tissue growth. Collagen dressings can help heal:

• chronic wounds that do not respond to other treatment
• wounds that expel bodily fluids such as urine or sweat
• granulating wounds, on which different tissue grows
• necrotic or rotting wounds
• partial and full-thickness wounds
• second-degree burns
• sites of skin donation and skin grafts
• Collagen dressings are not recommended for third-degree burns, wounds covered in dry eschar, or for patients who may be sensitive to products sourced from cows.

• Collagen-based membranes have been used in periodontal and implant therapy to promote the growth of specific types of cell.
• In oral surgery, collagen barriers can prevent fast-growing cells around the gum from migrating to a wound in a tooth. This preserves a space where tooth cells have the chance to regenerate.
• Collagen-based membranes can aid healing in these cases and they are resorbable, so this barrier does not need to be surgically removed after the main operation.

• Collagen tissue grafts from donors have been used in peripheral nerve regeneration, in vascular prostheses, and in arterial reconstruction.
• While collagen prostheses are compatible with the human body, some have been found to be thrombogenic, or likely to cause coagulation of the blood.

• Collagen supplements or formulations may help treat osteoarthritis.
• A 2006 review found that supplements containing collagen helped decrease painful symptoms and improving joint function in people with osteoarthritis.
• As the supplement was absorbed, collagen accumulated in the cartilage, and this helped to rebuild the extracellular matrix.

• Laser therapy can help treat stretch marks, as it can stimulate the growth of collagen, elastin, and melanin.
• A healthful diet can help the body produce collagen.

• Some factors can deplete the levels of collagen within the body. Avoiding them could keep the skin healthy for longer.
• High sugar consumption: A high-sugar diet increases the rate of glycation, a process where blood sugars attach to proteins to form new molecules called advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
• AGEs damage nearby proteins and can make collagen dry, brittle, and weak.
• Smoking: Many chemicals present in tobacco smoke damage both collagen and elastin in the skin.
• Nicotine also narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin. This compromises skin health by reducing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
• Sunlight: Ultraviolet rays in sunlight cause collagen to break down more rapidly, damaging collagen fibers and causing abnormal elastin to build up.
• The UV rays in sunlight damage the collagen in the dermis, and the skin rebuilds incorrectly, forming wrinkles.
• Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune disorders cause antibodies to target collagen.
• Genetic changes can affect the extracellular matrix. The collagen that is produced can be lower, or it may be dysfunctional, mutated collagen.
• The aging process causes collagen levels to deplete naturally over time. There is no way to prevent this.
• Avoiding tobacco and excess sun exposure and following a healthful dietary and exercise regime can help reduce visible aging and protect collagen, keeping the skin, bones, muscles, and joints healthy for longer.