Collagen
Cosmetic Surgery - Plastic Surgery - Aesthetic Medicine - Reconstructive Surgery
Collagen is a glycoprotein, that is to say, a protein combined with
sugars. Collagen, a fibrous macromolecule, in humans represents
approximately one third of body proteins.
The origin of the word
collagen comes from the Greek and means "glue producing". The role of
collagen in the body is double. Firstly, it gives different tissues in
which it is found their strength, suppleness, and elasticity. On the
other hand, in association with elastin and other proteins, it is part
of the extracellular matrix responsible for the cohesion of tissues and
organs.
There are several kinds of collagen, they are designated by a
number, type I collagen, type II collagen, etc.. In humans there have
been identified about eight different types of collagen.
In humans,
collagens are different in their structure, composition and distribution
in tissue and organs. Collagen is the main component of the frame of
bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, joint capsules, eye (retina,
cornea, vitreous body, lens capsule), dermis, pleura, peritoneum and
coatings of parenchymal organs (functional units) and body cavities.
Collagen is also present within parenchymal organs as the main component
of the septa, in vessel walls (from capillaries to large vessels).
Collagen is also found both in the meninges and in the protective layers
of muscles and nerves.
Collagen is synthesized by the body, it is
not provided directly by the diet. Many factors can affect its
production and decrease it. In particular, smoking, excessive
consumption of alcohol, coffee as well as stress, pollution, infections,
drugs, may have an inhibitory role in the production of collagen.
Collagen
will naturally deteriorate with age and this alteration will affect the
aging of many organs. The collagen molecules of an aging organism bind
together by a bridging mechanism (cross links) initiated by
non-enzymatic reactions between proteins and sugars (Booth, 1997). With
aging, collagen synthesis by cells in the connective tissue is
decreased. The altered collagen no longer plays its biological role and
has an impact on the functioning of tissues and organs, one of the most
visible is the appearance of wrinkles. The lack of collagen makes the
skin lose its firmness and radiance and promotes the appearance of brown
spots.
The collagen found in trade comes from the gelatin from
bones (under strict control) and skin of animals (cattle and pigs)
treated to obtain the gelatin used in food industry (texture agent ) and
pharmaceuticals (capsules). The gelatin thus obtained is converted into
collagen hydrolyzate used in cosmetics but also as a dietary
supplement.
Many cosmetic products contain collagen to help skin
fight against aging. This external application is supplemented by an
oral intake.