Collagen synthesis in human musculoskeletal tissues and skin

J A Babraj, D J R Cuthbertson, K Smith, Henning Langberg, B Miller, M R Krogsgaard, M Kjaer, M J Rennie

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

117 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We have developed a direct method for the measurement of human musculoskeletal collagen synthesis on the basis of the incorporation of stable isotope-labeled proline or leucine into protein and have used it to measure the rate of synthesis of collagen in tendon, ligament, muscle, and skin. In postabsorptive, healthy young men (28 +/- 6 yr) synthetic rates for tendon, ligament, muscle, and skin collagen were 0.046 +/- 0.005, 0.040 +/- 0.006, 0.016 +/- 0.002, and 0.037 +/- 0.003%/h, respectively (means +/- SD). In postabsorptive, healthy elderly men (70 +/- 6 yr) the rate of skeletal muscle collagen synthesis is greater than in the young (0.023 +/- 0.002%/h, P <0.05 vs. young). The rates of synthesis of tendon and ligament collagen are similar to those of mixed skeletal muscle protein in the postabsorptive state, whereas the rate for muscle collagen synthesis is much lower in both young and elderly men. After nutrient provision, collagen synthesis was unaltered in tendon and skeletal muscle, remaining at postabsorptive values (young: tendon, 0.045 +/- 0.008%/h; muscle, 0.016 +/- 0.003%/h; elderly: muscle, 0.024 +/- 0.003%/h). These results demonstrate that the rate of human musculoskeletal tissue collagen synthesis can be directly and robustly measured using stable isotope methodology.
Original languageEnglish
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume289
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)E864-9
ISSN0193-1849
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Amino Acids, Essential
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Collagen
  • Humans
  • Ligaments
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal
  • Skin
  • Tendons

Cite this