Collagenase

Description

Collagenase is an Proteolytic Enzyme (a Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzyme).  It is produced by Fibroblasts.

Skin

 Fibroblasts in the Dermis of the Skin normally produce small quantities of Collagenase that breaks down the surrounding extracellular matrix of the Skin, however during Wound healing and Inflammation, large amounts of Collagenase is produced.  ^[1]

 Collagenase is normally activated (by Neutrophils in the migrating Epithelium) when Wounds (of the Skin) occur - it "excavates" damaged Skin Tissues by destroying Collagen - in order to facilitate the growth of new Skin.

Cardiovascular System

 Excessive Collagenase activity may be involved in Microangiopermeability (“leaky” Capillaries).  ^[2]

Immune System

 Collagenase may be implicated in Cancer (due to its ability to assist carcinogens to destroy the body's endogenous Collagen).  Cancer cells also secrete Collagenase which facilitates the process of of Cancer cells to other regions of the body.

 Collagenase may be released during the process of Inflammation.

Musculoskeletal System

 Excessive production/activity of Collagenase may increase the risk of Osteoporosis (due to Collagenase destroying the Collagen content of Bones).  ^[3]

Nervous System

 Collagenase may increase the permeability of the Blood-Brain Barrier (this is undesirable as it permits “unwanted” toxins to enter the Brain).

Oral Health

 Collagenase may contribute to the destruction of Gum Tissue that occurs during the progression of Periodontal Disease (by destroying the Collagen content of Gum Tissue).  ^[4]

Skin

 Age-related increases in Collagenase activity in Fibroblasts may contribute to the Aging Process in the Skin:  ^[5]

 Age-related increases in Collagenase activity in Fibroblasts may contribute to the development of Wrinkles.  ^[6]

Proteins

 Collagenase breaks down Collagen:

 Collagenase breaks down Type I Collagen.

 Collagenase breaks down Type II Collagen.

 Collagenase breaks down Type III Collagen.

Cytokines

 Interleukin 1 (IL-1) may increase the endogenous production of Collagenase.

 Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) may increase the endogenous production of Collagenase.

Electromagnetic Radiation

 Exposure of the Skin to Ultra-Violet Radiation (UV-A spectrum) may stimulate the activity of Collagenase:  ^[7]

 Exposure of the Skin to the Ultra-Violet Radiation component of Sunlight activates Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (a Protein that activates Collagenase).