Collagen is a protein that plays an important role in the development of bone. It is also a major component of connective tissue and tendons. Collagen is a flexible and stretchy protein that is used by the body to support tissues. Disorders of collagen can affect connective tissue as well as bone formation.
Types
The National Cancer Institute notes that the term "collagen disease" can refer to two distinct kinds of diseases. Collagen vascular disease describes inflammatory problems that affect connective tissue. Collagen disease can also refer to genetic defects that interfere with collagen production or structure.
Collagen Vascular Disease
As Drugs.com notes, there are several different diseases that come under the classification of collagen vascular disease. This term encompasses diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma, as well as dermatomyositis. These are autoimmune diseases, which means they are the result of the immune system attacking healthy tissue.
Symptoms
The symptoms of collagen vascular disease typically include fever as a result of the chronic inflammation, as well as joint pain. Patients also often experience weakness and a rash as a result of blood vessel damage, which is caused by the immune system. Anemia (a lack of red blood cells) is another common symptom of collagen vascular disease.
Ehlers-Danlos
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) explains that another collagen disease is called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. This condition is caused by an inherited genetic defect that disrupts the normal structure of collagen. Patients with this disease have loose joints, blood vessels that break easily, and impaired healing and scar formation.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta is another inherited collagen disorder that results in genetic mutations that cause the body to make either poor quality or low amounts of a type of collagen (type I). Patients with this disease have fragile bones, low muscle mass and loosened joints. They may also have weak teeth, a bluish tint to their skin and eyes, and unusually thin skin.
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