The impact of collagen protein ingestion on musculoskeletal connective tissue remodeling: a narrative review

Abstract

Collagen is the central structural component of extracellular connective tissue, which provides elastic qualities to tissues. For skeletal muscle, extracellular connective tissue transmits contractile force to the tendons and bones. Connective tissue proteins are in a constant state of remodeling and have been shown to express a high level of plasticity. Dietary-protein ingestion increases muscle protein synthesis rates. High-quality, rapidly digestible proteins are generally considered the preferred protein source to maximally stimulate myofibrillar (contractile) protein synthesis rates. In contrast, recent evidence demonstrates that protein ingestion does not increase muscle connective tissue protein synthesis. The absence of an increase in muscle connective tissue protein synthesis after protein ingestion may be explained by insufficient provision of glycine and/or proline. Dietary collagen contains large amounts of glycine and proline and, therefore, has been proposed to provide the precursors required to facilitate connective tissue protein synthesis. This literature review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current knowledge on the proposed benefits of dietary collagen consumption to stimulate connective tissue remodeling to improve health and functional performance.

Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Following High-Load Resistance Exercise Upregulates Gene Expression in Pathways Involved in Skeletal Muscle Signal Transduction

“…Interestingly, previous findings point towards the notion that the PI3K-Akt pathway plays an essential role in the expression of type I collagen induced by TGF-beta ( Yokoyama et al, 2012 ). Although speculative, it might be assumed that the improvement in extracellular connective tissue might help to facilitate an enhanced contractile force transmission from the muscle to tendons or bones ( Holwerda and van Loon, 2021 ). Indeed, such improvements in muscle strength and force have repeatedly been demonstrated in previous experiments following prolonged CP intake in combination with resistance training ( Zdzieblik et al, 2015 ; Jendricke et al, 2019 ).…”

Collagen peptide supplementation for pain and function: is it effective?

“…Loss of strength is directly correlated to increased risk of injury in aging populations [9,10]. A more detailed review of musculoskeletal connective tissue remodeling was recently published by Holwerda and van Loon [15 ▪ ].…”

“…Interestingly, supplementation with collagen peptides has also shown to not only upregulate collagen production but to also regulate MMP activity. For example, dermal fibroblasts supplemented with collagen peptides in vitro demonstrated upregulation of the TGF-β/SMAD pathway and procollagen synthesis, while also suppressing MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression [15 ▪ ]. It is important to note, while the physiological response of MMP activity can vary, MMP-1 and MMP-3 are enzymes involved in unhealthy collagen degradation [16].…”

“…Loss of strength is directly correlated to increased risk of injury in aging populations [9,10]. A more detailed review of musculoskeletal connective tissue remodeling was recently published by Holwerda and van Loon [15 ]. In addition to force and mechanical loading, aging also plays a role as a major regulator of collagen tissue turnover.…”

Influence of physicochemical properties on the production of alternative healthy gummy jelly from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin with added Thai rice powder

“…Furthermore, fish gelatine clouds may be used to produce the highly functional fish gelatine hydrolysate using enzyme hydrolysis, and the application of fish gelatine hydrolysate to food products could enhance the quantity of bioactive peptides and improve the nutritional properties ( Wangtueai, Phimolsiripol, Vichasilp, Regenstein, & Schöenlechner, 2020 ). Furthermore, the use of gelatine hydrolysate as a dietary protein source to support connective tissue protein remodeling after exercise has previously been investigated ( Holwerda & van Loon, 2021 ).…”