Collagen Helps Your Body
How extra collagen helps your body (Part I)
Collagen is a family of highly characteristic, fibrous proteins found in all multi-cellular animals and are the most abundant proteins found in mammals, constituting 25 percent of total protein mass. The characteristic feature of a typical protein molecule is its long, stiff, triple-stranded helical structure in which three collagen polypeptide chains (called a [alpha] chains), are wound around each other forming a rope-like super helix. Collagens are extremely rich in the amino acid Proline and Glycine.
To date, 25 distinct collagen a chains have been identified
and each is encoded by a different gene. Combinations
of these genes are expressed in different tissues. In
principle, more than 10,000 types of triple-stranded collagen
molecules could be assembled in the body from various
combinations of the 25, but only 15 types of collagen
molecules have been identified.
The main types of collagen in connective tissues are Types I, II, III, V, and IX. Type I is the principle collagen of skin and bone and, by far, the most abundant in the body (representing 90 percent of body collagen). Type II is found in the cartilage. Type III is found in skin, blood vessels and internal organs. Type V is found in bone, skin, tendons, ligaments, and cornea. Types IV and VIII are network-forming collagens which polymerize to form the sheet-like network basal lammae and anchoring fibril beneath stratified squamous epithelia (epithelium—coherent
cell sheets formed from one or more layers of cells covering
an external surface or lining a cavity).
The tissues of the body are not made solely of cells.
A substantial part of the tissue volume is extracellular
space that is filled with an intricate network of macromolecules
that constitute the extracellular matrix. The matrix is
composed of a variety of versatile proteins and polysaccharides
that are secreted locally and assembled into an organized
network in close association with the cells that produce
them.
In connective tissue, the matrix is generally more plentiful
than the cells it surrounds and it determines the tissues
physical properties. Variations in the amounts of the
different types of matrix macromolecules give rise to
an amazing diversity of forms. For example, the matrix
can become calcified to become the rock-hard structures
of our teeth and bones, or it can form the transparent
matrix of our corneas, or it can adapt the rope-like helix
organization that give tendons their enormous tensile
strength. At the interface of the epithelium and connective
tissue, the matrix forms a basal lamina, a tough but thin
mat that plays a vital role in controlling cell behavior.
Until very recently, the extracellular matrix was thought
to be relatively inactive scaffolding to stabilize the
more physical structure of the tissues, much like the
concrete foundation of a house. Recent research has proven
that the matrix plays a very complex and very active role
in regulating the behavior of the cells that contact it,
i.e. influencing development, migration, proliferation,
shape and function. From the new information, we have
learned that the matrix and connective tissue are message
carriers and part of the body’s internal communication
system, similar to the inter-office memo.
The macromolecules that constitute the extra-cellular
matrix are produced by the cells in the matrix. In most
connective tissue, the matrix molecules are secreted by
cells called fibroblasts. In some more specialized connective
tissue, such as cartilage and bone, they are secreted
by specific cells of the fibroblast family called chondroblasts
(cartilage) and osteblasts (bone).
The two main classes of macromolecules that make up the
extra-cellular matrix (communication matrix) are polysaccharide
chains of the class called glycoaminoglycans (GAGs) which
are found linked to proteins in the form of proteoglycans,
and fibrous proteins of two functional types: mainly structural
(i.e. collagen) and adhesive (i.e. laminin and fibronectin).
The members of both classes come in a variety of shapes
and sizes. GAG and proteoglycan molecules in connective
tissue form a moisture rich gel-like ground substance
in which the fibrous proteins are embedded. The polysaccharide
gel resists compressive forces on the matrix and the collagen
fibers improve tensile strength. The polysaccharide gel
allows rapid diffusion on nutrients, metabolites, and
hormones between the blood and tissue cells. The collagen
fibers both strengthen and organize the matrix and the
rubber-like elastin fibers give resilience.
GAGs are defined as mucopolysaccharides with long, linear,
highly charged molecules composed of a pair of repeating
sugars, one of which is always bound to an amino sugar.
Mainly found covalently linked to a protein core in the
extra-cellular matrix, proteoglycans, i.e. chondroitan
sulfate, hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan), heparin, heparin
sulfate and keratan sulfate.
What does all of this indicate? Early detection of degenerative
diseases can be diagnosed through examination of the extra-cellular
matrix. The inability of the body to sustain revitalization
of the extra-cellular matrix is the beginning of all degenerative
disease. As we age, function of the fibroblast family
of cells to produce collagen compounds diminishes, which
then reduces the gel-like substances of the extra-cellular
matrix that protects cells and tissues from the compression
of life and exercise. This deterioration also limits the
transportation of essential nutrients and the screening
of invasive and toxic materials into the tissue.
The prolific work of Dr. John Prudden, M.D., F.A.C.S.,
from the 1950’s and into the 1990’s, proved
that bovine collagen supplementation had a beneficial
and healing effect on the extra-cellular matrix that resulted
in positive benefits to patients with a wide variety of
conditions from psoriasis, wound healing, and side effects
of steroidal medications to lymphagiosarcoma (cancer),
elephantitis (filarial parasite infestation), arthritis,
rheumatism, and skin ulcers.
Dr. Prudden passed on to our heavenly father two years
ago an uncelebrated champion and visionary scientist and
doctor whose work went unconfirmed and unnoticed by his
peers. Today, at last, the courageous pioneering research
of Dr. Prudden is validated and recognized.
In modern research of just the last two years, new drug
therapy is being compared directly to the effectiveness
of bovine collagen supplementation. In many articles,
drugs are being compared to collagen supplementation—regarded
as equal in effect, except for SIDE EFFECTS! One must
take less of the drugs than collagen, but must tolerate
side effects.
By Rena Davis, MSc
Clinical Nutritionist
Biochemist
Rena Davis, MSc is a Clinical Nutritionist and Biochemist
and one of EYI’s most popular product consultants and trainers. She operates her own wellness clinic in St. Helens, Oregon, where she has recommended the full range of powerful EYI products to her patients for years. Total Healing is an alternative health care center where Rena, owner/practitioner for over 20 years, provides individualized health care for her clients. Rena is a firm believer in holistic health care and is an ardent student and teacher of the principles of wellness.
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