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Collagen compounds
diminish as we age
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 allow rapid diffusion on
nutrients, tabolites, 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.
So, what does all
of this indicate? Early detection of degenerative diseases
can be diagnosed by 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!
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