Collagen is one of the most common proteins found in the body. It is a naturally occurring protein that is found only in animals and human beings. Collagen gives strength and resilience to different organs and tissues in the body like the skin, tendons, ligaments and bone. Insufficient collagen in the body can lead to certain disorders.
Types Of Collagen
There are over 20 identified types of collagen in the body. They differ from each other in composition and arrangement. The most studied are Types I, II, III and IV collagen. Type I collagen has great tensile strength and is found in abundance in the skin and bones. It acts as a reinforcing rod in bone construction.
Bone Structure
Bone is made up of an inorganic mineral known as hydroxyapatite and organic proteins. Type I collagen is the most occurring organic protein in bones; it makes up 30 percent of bone content. Collagen molecules are the framework upon which the minerals are deposited for bone formation. This process of bone formation, called bone remodeling, continues throughout life and determines bone density.
Collagen Diseases
A lack of or insufficient collagen in the body can cause several disorders. Absence of or inadequate collagen may lead to Ehler-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), scurvy or osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). EDS is characterized by highly elastic skin and joints that can be easily dislocated. Scurvy in conjunction with a lack of vitamin C can cause bleeding in the joints and anemia. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder of collagen that affects the bones. It is manifested by fragile bones that break easily.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disorder where the body does not form enough new bone or reabsorbs too much of the old bone. It can also occur in the presence of these two conditions. It leads to weak, fragile bones that break easily. It can be caused by a variety of factors including menopause, smoking, obesity and certain drugs. It can also be caused by a lack of sufficient collagen as seen in osteogenesis imperfecta.
Prevention/Solution
Osteoporosis caused by osteogenesis imperfecta is due to genetic factors, and because of this, it has no cure. Despite this fact, certain actions can be taken to manage its symptoms. Such actions include exercise, pain medication, physical therapy, use of wheelchairs, braces and surgery.
References
- Protista International: Osteoporosis- Influence of Alpha-Ketoglutarate on Biosynthesis of Collagen, Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis
- "Color Atlas of Pathology: Pathologic Principles, Associated Diseases, Sequela"; Ursus-Nikolaus Riede, Martin Werner.; 2004.
- "Molecular Cell biology "; Harvey F. Lodish, Arnold Berk.; 2008
