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Collagen |
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Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body. It forms about 25%-35% of all the proteins present in the body. Collagen is made up of 19 different amino acids which forms the shape of a helix. Active collagen is made by coiling together three such helices - held together by chemical bonds (just like a rope) - thus rendering it stable and strong. Collagen is a long fibrous molecule that connects and gives structural stability to most tissues, as well as shaping the cells in parts of the body including: cartilage, ligaments, tendons, intestine, uterus and bones. It acts like a glue in holding the body together, without which the body would just fall apart.
Collagen plays a very important role during the healing process. When our body ages, many changes take place that are believed to be due to
degradation of collagen in the body. Externally, our skin starts developing wrinkles and loosening up; internally, our skeletal system starts deteriorating. When collagen in skin is damaged, connective tissue in the skin is weakened and the skin begins to become loose and wrinkled. Similarly, when the skeletal system and its supporting connective and muscular tissues lose their collagen, the body experiences weakness and gets fatigued very easily.
Collagen strengthens blood vessels, aids in development of tissues, and gives structure and shape to the lens in eye. Collagen (when broken down or hydrolyzed) can be used to manage weight efficiently. Collagen is widely used in cosmetic surgeries including: strengthening skin in cases of severe burns, reconstructing of bones, and reconstructing in dental procedures. Marine collagen is believed to be the best source of collagen. This collagen stimulates type III collagen production in the body, thus stimulating the body's own repair mechanisms. Marine collagen also stimulates elastin production and collagen production in the skin, making it an important component in many of today's anti-aging skin products.
Since collagen is the basic structural molecule of almost all tissues and cells in the body - defects in collagen structure and/or synthesis is associated with many diseases and disorders in the human body. Deficiency of vitamin C can lead to defects in collagen, resulting in scurvy. This leads to defects in connective tissue that can result in loose, bleeding gums, loss of teeth, and very slow wound-healing.
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Due to its widespread medicinal benefits, collagen has been a molecule of interest for a long time. The uniform, organized structure of collagen was first discovered in the 1930's. With the understanding of collagen structure came dramatic increases in its application and usage.
Collagen has been used by cosmetic surgeons since the early 1980s.
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Collagen gives strength to connective tissue. It is essential for vital functions of the body tissues and cells. Along with another protein - keratin - collagen gives strength and elasticity to skin. It is responsible for moisturizing the skin, thus making it firmer and more supple. Collagen also takes part in the skin renewal process and plays a very important role in the aging process of skin. Decreased collagen production in the skin starts during mid-20s. The skin loses it's elasticity in the absence of collagen. Frequent, unprotected exposure to the sun's UV rays can damage the collagen in the skin. As a result, dead cells are not shed as quickly, leading to slower turnover of newer and fresher skin cells. All these factors result in loose skin that forms wrinkles over a period of time.
Recent research has shown that topical administration of collagen is sufficient to induce production of collagen indigenously by the body's cells, thus delaying its degradation.
Apart from making the skin supple and tender, collagen, along with bone minerals, is also responsible for giving mechanical strength to bones. Quality of the bone is determined by interaction of collagen with the bone minerals and also by the amount and orientation of these collagen fibers in the bone. Collagen fibers arrange themselves in an organized and uniform fashion (by similar shape and size). These fibers are held together by interactions of the fibers amongst themselves and amongst bone minerals (calcium and phosphorus), which act like cement supporting the fibers. These minerals, absorbed by bones from blood, provide strength to the collagen fiber-rods and give mechanical strength to the skeletal system. However, any abnormality in the uniformity, organization, and alignment of collagen structure leads to weakening mechanical strength of bones (e.g., osteogenesis imperfecta and Bruck syndrome).
Last year Collagen Matrix, Inc. introduced a collagen-based bone graft matrix under the tradename Ossimend. Ossimend is made up of collagen fibers and natural bone minerals (derived from bovine bones). Owing to it's natural source, it closely resembles human bones and hence can be used widely in surgeries that require bone grafting (skeletal, spine, pelvic bones etc.).
Collagen II is the main type of collagen responsible for strong and healthy joints. Degradation of collagen II in joints is one of the leading causes of arthritis. Administration of additional collagen II seems to reverse this process. Studies by Drs. Weiner and Trentham at Harvard University have shown that when an arthritic patient is given collagen II, his immune system gets a boost and his collagen-producing cells are activated. The more collagen produced, the more healthy and strong our joints become. While 9-12 grams of cartilage needs to be administered in order to kick-start collagen production of the body's cells, only 2-3 grams of collagen are needed do the same job.
Collagen also gives structural shape and strength to teeth. There has been wide use of collagen in dental procedures such as: filling cavities in teeth, dressing oral wounds, and attaching dental membranes. To ensure infection- and disease-free conditions, collagen membranes embedded with antibiotics are used to fill cavities and gaps in teeth.
Collagen (a major component of ligaments and tendons) can also be used to treat ligament and tendon injuries. Collagen nerve ligament and tendon wraps help keep the injured nerves and tendons in place -
ensuring a safer and faster recovery from injury. Collagen is also being used to grow tissues in laboratories for use in future tissue and organ transplantations. Collagen is also an important component in strong, healthy hair and nails.
Collagen II is mainly made up of a chemical substance called 'chondroitin sulfate A' that forms the natural lining of our body's arteries. This substance prevents blood clot formation and hence prevents heart attacks and strokes. Recent research shows that collagen II is one of the most efficient cardio-protective agents to date. Researchers consider use of collagen II to be a more effective at protecting heart health than treatments such as angioplasty, valve replacement, and bypass surgeries. Oral administration of collagen II
significantly reduced incidence of heart attacks. Moreover, collagen II also reduces body cholesterol and lipids that accumulate in the heart valves, leading to blockage.
Research on this subject:
Bank RA, Robins SP, Wijmenga C, et al. Defective collagen crosslinking in bone, but not in ligament or cartilage, in Bruck syndrome: Indications for a bone-specific telopeptide lysyl hydroxylase on chromosome 17. Proc Nat Acad Sci. 1999;96:1054-8.
Fisher GJ, Varani J, and Voorhees JJ. Looking Older: Fibroblast Collapse and Therapeutic Implications. Archives of Dermatology. 2008;144(5):666-72.
Helfrich YR, Sachs DL and Voorhees JJ. Overview of skin aging and photoaging. Dermatol Nurs. 2008;20(3):177-83.
Oikarinen A. Aging of the skin connective tissue: how to measure the biochemical and mechanical properties of aging dermis. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine. 1994;10(2):47-52.
Viquet-Carrin S, Garnero P and Delmas PD. The role of collagen in bone strength. Osteoporosis Int. 2006;17(3):319-6.
Biocell Technology LLC http://www.biocelltechnology.com/
Collagen Matric Inc. http://www.collagenmatrix.com
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0857/is_1_12/ai_n17213271/pg_1
http://www.springboard4health.com/books_online/collagen/collagen_typeII.html
Osetogenesis Imperfecta Foundation. www.oif.org
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Sources and Forms of Collagen: |
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Collagen is initially made as a precursor procollagen molecule that is processed to produce mature collagen molecule. Medicinally useful collagen is derived from processed, disease-causing organism-free: bovine (cattle), porcine (pig), or marine (codfish). An individual's own body fat, placenta, and fetus can also be used as a source. Chicken Sternal cartilage, derived from 6-8 week old chickens, has collagen II plus other anti-inflammatory and joint-supporting factors.
There are 28 different types of collagen in the human body which are divided into four groups, I-IV. The most abundant type of collagen in the human body is collagen I - mainly responsible for repairing injured blood vessels, ligaments in joints, skin, bones and teeth. Collagen II, IX, X and XI form a major part of cartilages. Collagen III plays a role in formation of blood clots during an injury and during tissue repair while collagen IV is the structural component of eye lens, filtration tubes of kidneys and blood capillaries. Collagen V and VI are generally found supporting collagen I. Collagen VII is found in the epithelial cells lining the gastro-intestinal tract and urinary tract while collagen VIII is found is the lining of blood vessels. Collagen XII is found in interaction with types I and III.
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Recommended Dosage of Collagen: |
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The amount and type of recommended daily collagen supplement varies from person to person. It is very important to assess individual needs and desired effects. Collagen I, II or III can be used as a regular bone supplement. However, collagen in combination with glucosamines is recommended for bone healing purposes, while non-glucosamine collagen is used for improving hair, skin and nails. Glucosamine, like collagen, adds to bone strength. Moreover, collagen II is specifically recommended for treating arthritis. Other ingredients of the collagen supplement should also be carefully reviewed. While vitamin C stimulates collagen production and hence comes as a part of many collagen supplements, individuals with gout or allergy to vitamin C should refrain from using such products.
Dosage of collagen administration varies with its intended purpose.
Enhancement of skin, hair, and nails can be achieved with 5-10 grams per day.
Bovine collagen supplementation in the range of 750 mg to 3 grams is recommended for bone strengthening.
Studies show that .02 mg to 10 mg daily of collagen II can improve symptoms of arthritis.
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Safety and Side Effects of Collagen: |
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Generally, collagen is extremely safe with almost no side effects.
Collagen fillers used to fill wrinkles and for other cosmetic procedures have been known to cause allergic reactions. Testing for allergic reactions prior to surgery is recommended. Recently, collagen has been linked to autoimmune diseases (conditions where the immune system starts reacting and destroying useful proteins in the body), although much more research must be conducted before conclusions can be made. Children under 18 and pregnant women should not take collagen, as the effects of collagen on these subjects have not yet been studied.
Always consult your healthcare professional prior to taking any supplement therapy.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Collagen: |
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What are collagen facial dermal fillers?
Collagen-based dermal fillers have been in use since 1981. These collagen injections are given just below the skin surface to fill fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. Bovine or human collagen is generally used for these purposes. Zyderm and Zyplast (manufactured by INAMED Aesthetics) are two collagen-based fillers that have been approved by FDA for use in cosmetic surgery and treatment of: fine lines, deep wrinkles, frown lines, crows feet (near eyes), lip borders, acne, and scars.
What is the current status of collagen transplants in bone and joint injuries?
Collagen used in cosmetic surgeries is sterile, processed collagen - normally from bovine or human skin. When injected into the skin, collagen forms a network of collagen fibers that fills out wrinkles and gaps in skin. Moreover, collagen (from human skin) grown in a laboratory is identical to normal human skin, and can be used to cover burned, scarred, and ulcerated skin wounds.
A recent research study has shown that collagen can be used to close abdominal walls in children who received a transplanted kidney that is larger than their own. Traditional meshes often caused intra-abdominal adhesions, and required further surgery to mend. Replacing these meshes with porcine skin collagen reduced incidences of necessary follow-up surgery and reduced complications.
Collagen implants are also used for treating urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control). The collagen implant is fitted into the urethra and/or bladder neck and into tissues adjacent to the urethra. By injecting collagen as a bulking material, bladder muscles are tightened and urine is prevented from leaking out. Collagen implants for urinary incontinence is not recommended for those who plan to have children.
Collagen membranes (sheets that self-curl and are conformable when hydrated) are used as a protective covering to wrap up injured tendons and nerves in fractures and bone injuries. Bone minerals attached to collagen resemble natural human bones - and are often used in bone, joint, and dental surgeries. Collagen dental wound dressings are available in the form of membranes, tapes, plugs and foam.
Oral administration of collagen as a supplement is used to improve strength and quality of hair, skin and nails. Taking oral supplements of collagen II improves joint strength by stimulating inherent collagen production.
Collagen's anti-coagulating (blood-thinning), cholesterol-lowering, and lipid-lowering abilities make it a useful treatment for heart-related strokes.
How is collagen useful in preventing heart attacks and strokes?
Collagen implant stents are being used to clear blocked arteries in stroke patients. As a native component of the human body (including heart valves and arteries), there is little chance of rejection by the body. Moreover, collagen implants in arteries have been shown to lower cholesterol and fatty lipids that accumulate and block heart valves, eventually causing strokes. Over time, the collagen degrades, is absorbed by the body, and is subsequently replaced with healthy heart tissue.
Is collagen useful in treating glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition where ocular (eye) neurons are lost due to high ocular pressure. This high pressure damages the optic nerve and leads to loss of vision. Collagen glaucoma implants lower the intra-ocular pressure, thus relieving the optical nerve and restoring normal vision conditions. Moreover, the implant eventually dissolves naturally in 6-9 months, a period during which the eye is able to completely heal itself and maintain stable pressure.
What is the role played by collagen in arthritis? How effective is glucosamine in conjunction with collagen in treating arthritis?
Cartilage in joints that see a lot of activity (like the knees and the ankles) loses elasticity over time and wears out, leading to arthritis. Cartilage is a shock-absorber for joints. Without it, adjoining ligaments and tendons grow to fill the gaps, causing a great deal of pain. Collagen is an integral part of cartilage, ligaments, and tendons - segments all working together to form a supporting frame for the joints.
Degradation of cartilage is mainly due to destruction of collagen II - the type of collagen commonly found in joints. Hence, supplementing collagen II can improve arthritis in a patient. Initial studies carried out at Harvard University have shown that collagen from chicken cartilage fed to arthritic patients resulted in significant improvements. The patients experienced improved mobility of the joints. Another study conducted by a group of scientists from China, has shown that patients suffering from arthritis, when supplemented with collagen II from chicken cartilage, had less pain, inflammation and stiff joints in the morning. Use of collagen from other sourcew to treat arthritis is still under investigation, since not all types of collagen from all sources are beneficial for arthritic patients.
Administration of collagen is much simpler and easier than cartilage. Collagen is absorbed more easily by the body than cartilage. Normally, about 9-11 grams of ground cartilage is administered to patients suffering from arthritis. Studies by Dr Weiner and Dr Trentham have shown that as low as 2 grams of collagen II can be highly effective in improving the mobility and in reducing the pain and stiffness in arthritic patients. They observed a remarkable improvement in 70% of cases who had severe rheumatoid arthritis. The other 30% also did show improvement but to a lesser extent. Another study on 59 people being administered collagen II showed an almost 90% improvement in arthritis.
Glucosamine can also stimulate production of collagen, and is an important component of cartilage. Moreover, glucosamine helps normalize the metabolism of cartilage, thus keeping it strong and intact. Hence, collagen is always administered along with glucosamine when treating arthritis or other bone injuries. A patent (US Patent # 6333304) has been issued to a therapeutic formula that contains glucosamine, collagen and a bioflavonol that is used to repair damaged connective tissue. A study in rabbits has shown that collagen is more efficient when administered with glucosamine than when compared to administration of collagen alone.
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Additional Research on Collagen: |
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Collagen and Arthritis
Hashimoto M, Sakaguchi S. Contribution of Th-1, Th-2, Th-17 or regulatory T cells to connective tissue diseases. Nippon Rinsho. 2009 Mar;67(3):482-6.
Ishiguro N. Cartilage degredation in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Calcium. 2009 Mar;19(3):347-54.
Li R, Li X, Li Z. Altered collagen II 263-272 peptide immunization induces inhibition of collagen-induced arthritis through a shift toward Th2-type response. Tissue Antigens. 2009 Apr;73(4):341-7.
Takasaki Y. Epidemiology of collagen diseases. Nippon Rinsho. 2009 Mar;67(3):458-62.
van Hamburg JP, Mus AM, de Bruijn MJ, et al. GATA-3 protects against severe joint inflammation and bone erosion and reduces differentiation of Th17 cells during experimental arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2009 Mar;60(3):750-9.
Collagen and Reconstructive Surgery
Ferguson VL, Dodson RB. Bioengineering aspects of the umbilical cord. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2009 Mar 20.
Li MZ, Song XM, Zhang L, et al. Tissue-engineering nerve repairs pelvic autonomic nerve defects in Beagle dogs. Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2009 Mar;12(2):189-92.
Yigit B, Yazar M, Alyanak A, Guven E. A Custom-Made Silicon Mold for Pressure Therapy to Ear Keloids. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2009 Mar 26.
Collagen and Heart Health
Chatzikyriakou SV, Tziakas DN, Chalikias GK, et al. Resolution of symptoms and serum peptides of collagen type I turnover in acute heart failure patients. Acta Cardiol. 2009 Feb;64(1):29-33.
Yuan YC, Xia ZK, Mu JJ, Zhang QC, Yin BL. Increased connective tissue growth factor expression in a rat model of chronic heart allograft rejection. J Formos Med Assoc. 2009 Mar;108(3):240-6.
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