The role of collagen and collagen I/III ratio in pathological conditions: insights into molecular mechanisms and therapeutic approaches

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Collagen is the predominant structural protein, contributing to 25%-30% of total body protein. It is vital for maintaining the strength, flexibility, and structural integrity of connective tissues throughout the human body. Of the 28 identified collagen types, collagen I and collagen III are especially critical - collagen I imparts tensile strength, while collagen III enhances matrix flexibility. Disruptions in collagen structure and composition are frequently associated with aberrant collagen I and collagen III ratio that compromises tissue functions and contributes to pathological conditions affecting bone (osteoporosis), oral tissues (periodontal disease), wound healing (diabetic complications), reproductive organs (ovarian cancer), and pelvic support structures (pelvic organ prolapse), among others. These alterations arise from aging, genetic polymorphisms, and disease factors that disrupt collagen synthesis, assembly, and degradation. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the role of collagen and collagen I/III ratio in pathophysiological processes and deliberates emerging therapeutic interventions designed to restore collagen equilibrium, encompassing biomaterials, stem cell therapies, gene editing techniques, and biophysical stimulation modalities. Future directions in tissue-engineered extracellular matrix development, precision medicine applications,

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.