New approaches and recent results concerning human-tissue... : Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care (original) (raw)
Assessment of nutritional status and analytical methods
School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham at Derby Graduate Entry Medical School, Derby, UK
Correspondence to Ken Smith, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham at Derby Graduate Entry Medical School, Uttoxeter Road, Derby DE22 3DT, UK Tel: +44 1332 724700; e-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
Purpose of review
Knowledge of the physiological regulation of human-tissue collagen metabolism in vivo is poor, due to the lack of appropriately robust methods. Recent application of stable isotope tracer techniques to measure human collagen synthesis has provided some insights into the role of nutrition and exercise on collagen turnover in the extracellular matrix of the musculoskeletal system.
Recent findings
Collagen turnover in the musculoskeletal system is faster than previously thought. Bone collagen synthesis is increased by feeding, whereas both muscle collagen and tendon are unresponsive. Exercise stimulates collagen synthesis in both muscle and tendon in an apparently coordinated manner. There are also sex differences and normal aging is associated with increased muscle collagen synthesis and reductions in bone collagen synthesis, particularly in mature bone collagen.
Summary
Collagen turnover appears to be faster than previously thought and is regulated by feeding and exercise, in a tissue-specific manner. Further application of these approaches, coupled with measures of gene and protein expression, to measure the acute regulation of collagen, will lead to a better understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of human collagen turnover. This is particularly important for developing new therapies to improve bone health and minimize tissue fibrosis.
© 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.