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Collagen and Collagenesis

Collagen and collagenesis

What is the deal with collagen?

Collagen is a protein composed of several amino acids, which are organic molecules made up of smaller molecules called monomers. These monomers form long chain molecules, known as polymers, which link together to form collagen. This substance is essential for the formation of connective tissue throughout the human body, and there are approximately 28 different types of collagen known.Collagen plays an important part in tissue repair, renewal and strengthening of skin, bones, tendons, cartilage and many other structures, making it a vital component of human health.

The most regular collagens are:
Type I - the most popular variety found in all the connective tissues;
Type II - located in joints and intervertebral discs;
Type III - major element of the reticular fibers located in the skin and bloodstream; and
Type IV - elements of the kidney, interior ear, and lens.

Ccollagen and Skin

When collagen is ingested, it appears that not all of the collagen is broken down into its smallest building blocks, the individual amino acids. Amino acids are small protein fragments, often composed of chains of a few to a few dozen amino acids. However, the majority of collagen is not broken down, and instead passes through the system. There they can travel to the skin to help produce more collagen.

Amino acids are used throughout the body, but they do not directly penetrate the skin in large enough quantities to produce significant effects. Despite this, studies show that oral collagen can still improve skin health and reduce skin wrinkles. This is likely because complete collagen is made up of three basic amino acid rods in the alpha configuration. These combine and intertwine with each other in a triple helix structure to form large chains of collagen.

To understand how collagen is synthesized, we need to look at cell structure and function, or cytology. Most cells contain all the same organelles that function as small organs performing specific functions. These organelles work in unison to produce collagen, which is then sent to the skin to repair and replenish it.

Type 1 collagen, produced by specialized fibroblasts called osteoblasts in bone, is the most abundant type of collagen in the human body and is primarily found in bony structures, dentinal fascia, and areas of wound repair. It provides strength and structure to the structures in which it is found, and plays a vital role in the structural integrity of the body. Due to its versatile properties, it has many medical applications, such as use in artificial skin, joint repair, wound healing, and joint replacement. It can also be used for anti-aging procedures, such as facial fillers.

Type 2 collagen, which is produced by cells known as fibroblasts, is found in a variety of tissues in the human body. In particular, it is present in large amounts in the cartilage, intervertebral discs, and in the vitreous portion of the eye. It is also found in some areas of the skin, and tendons, as well as a few other areas of the body. Type 2 collagen is strong and flexible, making it ideal for those areas of the body that need to be flexible yet still hold up over time. It is also essential to support the natural structure and function of these areas, so deficiencies or malformation in the collagen can have a lasting impact on the body.

Type 3 collagen is a type of collagen protein found in the human body. It is most commonly found in the walls of blood vessels, fetal tissue, early granulation tissue, and the basal membrane of the dermis. Type 3 collagen provides flexibility and strength to various tissues in the body and helps keep them in good condition. It acts as a scaffolding to provide structure for cells and also helps to regulate the flow of blood through blood vessels. It is involved in the scarring process of injured tissues and helps to protect cells from damage.

Type 4 collagen is a structural protein, one of the main components of the extracellular matrix found in human tissue. It is an important part of the basement membrane, which acts as a physical barrier between cells and serves to maintain tissue structure. Type 4 collagen is found in the elements of the kidney, interior ear, and lens, playing a role in their structure and integrity. In addition, it also plays a role in tissue repair, wound healing, maintaining blood vessel integrity, and tissue homeostasis.

These four types can be memorized using the acronym scab. Yes for your skin. C is the cartilage of the arteries, veins and capillaries, B is the basal membrane of the dermis. Collagen is synthesized by specialized cells called fibroblasts.

Amino acids make up proteins, and glycine and proline are among the most important. Glycine is biochemically the simplest, its outgroup is just a hydrogen atom, but proline is thicker. In a polypeptide chain, every third amino acid is glycine, because it provides the necessary space to reduce interactions between fatty amino acids like proline.

The genes that code for collagen production are transcribed by messengers when fibroblasts are activated and RNA leave the nucleus and enter the cytoplasm. Once there, it encounters ribosomes, which are made up of two parts - a small one and a large one - that give them the ability to assemble the amino acids. The mRNA that enters the ribosome gives the order in which the amino acids must be placed and, accordingly, a protein chain called an alpha chain comes out.

A collagen strand is formed from three alpha chains intertwined in a helix configuration and the first molecule to appear is the prepro-alpha chain, which contains a signal sequence peptide at its N-terminus. This peptide is necessary to continue the process that may or may not involve the addition of hydroxyl groups to chains, a process known as hydroxylation and which needs molecular oxygen and vitamin C. People with vitamin C deficiency have their collagen production weak, as it is seen in scurvy, a disease in sailors. Moreover, some hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline can be modified by glycosylation, which includes adding glucose or galactose.

Once all these processes are completed, the pro-alpha chains form groups of three, forming the procollagen and, in the body, collagen is remodelled by an enzyme called chromogenesis in a continuous, dynamic and important process.

Synthesis of collagen and elastin.

Elastin makes up a small portion of the skin's dermis, the thick layer of tissue beneath the epidermis. Its purpose is to enable the skin to stretch and return to its original shape and position. Elastin creates highly cross-linked elastic fibers and microfibrils - like fibrillin - which are developed from basic amino acids like glycine, valine, alanine and proline.

A deficiency in any of these elements can stop the production of elastin, which is an important component in maintaining the health of lungs' aorta and joints' ligaments. Collagen, making up between 70 and 80% of the skin's dry weight, structures the dermis. As one ages, the natural creation of collagen decreases until the skin starts to thin.

Consequently, a lack of vitamin C hinders the formation of collagen, due to an absent of hydroxyproline. Thus, with an inadequate helical shape and weak molecule, the collagen is quick to breakdown and structurally instable.

Indirect Effects of Oral Collagen Supplements

The indirect effect of orally-ingested collagen supplements on skin can be intensely beneficial. This is because when collagen peptides circulate through the bloodstream, the body detects that collagen is breaking down. As a response, cellular production of collagen is prompted, particularly in the skin. To amplify the effects of collagen, oral collagen products are designed to include fragmented or "hydrolyzed" collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen can be better absorbed in the digestive tract and further signal the body to produce more collagen. To go a step further, some collagen supplements are specifically designed to include very small peptides comprised of two or three amino acids. Currently, the research on whether or not shorter collagen peptides offer more skin benefits still needs further exploration.

Which collagen supplement is the best?

When deciding on the best collagen supplement, it is important to ensure that the product is backed by scientific evidence and proven to work. A good example of an effective IV Collagen Cocktail Formula is one that includes:

- Collagen
- Amino Acids such as l-proline, l-lysine, l-glycine; and
- Minerals including manganese, magnesium, and zinc, as well as powerful antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Glutathione.

This combination of nutrients is essential for the formation of new skin, protecting existing skin from damage due to oxidation and inflammation, and helping skin achieve its desired healthy and beautiful glow.

Health Benefits of Collagen Supplements

1. Can improve skin health:

Collagen is a main structural protein found in the skin. It contributes to the skin's overall strength, elasticity, and hydration. With age, collagen production naturally declines in the body, causing dryness and wrinkles to become visible. While there have been many anecdotal claims that collagen can be beneficial for the skin and help alleviate acne and other skin conditions, there is yet to be scientific evidence to back these claims up.

2. It can relieve joint pain:

As a major component of cartilage - a rubbery tissue that cushions joints - collagen helps to maintain joint health. As people age, naturally occurring collagen levels in the body decrease, and can increase the risk of developing joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis. Researchers have found that taking daily collagen supplements can significantly reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. It may do so by promoting the accumulation of collagen in cartilage, potentially reducing inflammation and providing better joint support.

3. May prevent bone loss:

Bones are composed primarily of collagen, which contributes to their strength and structure. As people age, collagen and bone mass naturally decrease in the body. This can lead to weakened bones and an increase in the risk of fractures via osteoporosis. In a 12-month study of postmenopausal women, those consuming a daily supplement of calcium and vitamin D with 5 grams of collagen had significantly lower levels of proteins associated with bone breakdown (BMD) than those only supplementing with calcium and vitamin D.

4. Can increase muscle mass:

Skeletal muscle is composed of high levels of collagen. Research suggests that taking daily collagen supplements can help build muscle mass in those with sarcopenia - age-related muscle loss. One study involving men found that supplementing with 15 grams of collagen daily resulted in increased muscle mass and strength compared to those who only exercised. It has been hypothesized that collagen supplements can help improve the synthesis of muscle proteins, such as creatine, and therefore stimulate muscle growth post-exercise.

5. May support heart health:

There is a notion that collagen can help reduce the risk of heart disease. In collagen's role as a structural foundation for arteries, a decrease in collagen levels can lead to less flexibility and elasticity in the arteries, thus increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Over a 6-month study period, those consuming 16 grams of collagen per day experienced a decline in markers ofatherosclerosis, as well as an increase in good cholesterol levels (HDL).

6. Other health benefits:

While there is insufficient evidence to support the following claims, some doctors argue that collagen can aid in weight loss, brain health, intestinal health, and hair and nail health. It is thought to assist with weight loss and metabolism, and promote better mood and reduce anxiety. It is also believed to alleviate leaky gut syndrome, as well as strengthen hair and nails, allowing them to grow longer.

Additional Resources:
1. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/#:~:text=Collagen%20is%20the%20most%20abundant,muscles%2C%20tendons%2C%20and%20cartilage.
2. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-collagen-and-your-body
3. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-collagen-and-your-body

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