Is collagen powder carcinogenic?

Cancer and collagen: A tricky link

Collagen is a structural protein involved in many physiological functions. It makes up most of the extracellular matrix and constitutes a scaffolding allowing cell feeding, adhesion, and differentiation. However, recent studies have shown that collagen may be an important compound in some biochemical and biophysical signaling cascades affecting tissue repair processes, and cell division and migration. Furthermore, these cascades are of great importance in the onset and development of many cancer types. Thus, there is a growing body of research investigating the possible links between collagen and different cancer types.

Next, we will discuss the potential effects of collagen supplements on cancer onset and evolution.

 

Collagen synthesis in the human body

Collagen is a fibrous protein, mainly produced by specialized cells such as fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. Like other proteins, all the necessary information for collagen synthesis is contained in DNA fragments called genes. These genes are transcribed into RNA, which in turn is translated into proteins. In the case of collagen, these proteins are secreted into the extracellular matrix to perform different functions.

Regulation of collagen levels in tissues

As for the other biomolecules, organisms may maintain a “normal” level of collagen to ensure optimal function of organs. This “normal” level, also called homeostasis, is maintained by regulating the synthesis and recycling (natural degradation) processes. This “fragile” balance can shift in response to external signaling molecules, like cytokines (TNFα, TGFβ), certain hormones (vitamin C, D3), and viral and tumor markers. The normal concentration is often restored after the stimulation cessation, but in some cases, the problem becomes chronic. This may cause irreversible tissue injury and, in extreme cases, entire organ loss (fibrosis).

 

Collagen and cancer: scientific facts

Several studies investigated the effect of collagen up and down-regulation on different types of cancer, while others explored the effect of tumor factors on collagen levels in tissues. Indeed, the link between cancer and collagen is a two-way relationship, where one factor affects the other. 

Tumor cells drive collagen up-regulation

Tumor cells can alter collagen production and degradation in the tumor microenvironment. During tumor progression, collagen was shown to be locally up-regulated, leading to the stiffening of the surrounding tissue and facilitating tumor cell invasion and migration. Remodeling of the extracellular matrix impacts tissue cohesion by disturbing cells connections, morphology, differentiation, and migration. 

This up-regulation is shown to be a risk factor for the development and progression of breast cancer. Indeed, studies demonstrated that during tumor invasion, breast collagen becomes increasingly thick, linear and rigid, promoting cell migration and thus metastasis.

Tumor cells drive collagen down-regulation

Unexpectedly, tumor cells can also induce a reduction in collagen levels, mainly by activating matrix-degrading enzymes such as metalloproteinases.  Some studies showed that tumor cells create a more permissive environment for their dissemination by reducing collagen density, but the exact mechanism is still not understood. In addition to that, collagen depletion is known to weaken the physical barrier of tissues, facilitating tumor progression and promoting angiogenesis, a key process in tumor invasion. 

 

 

Synthesis

The increase or decrease in collagen levels in tissues seem to be important mechanisms that activate some signaling pathways to promote tumor invasion and metastasis. Indeed, in-vitro studies show that restoring normal collagen expression inhibits the progression of tumor factors. This underlines the importance of homeostasis in maintaining tissue function and organization.

 

How about collagen supplementation?

Studies in this field are still cell-based (in-vitro), and the road to clinical trials seems to be a long way. However, it is important to notice that studies investigating the effect of collagen supplementation on various organs, including skin, show that collagen intake is generally safe. This is due in particular to the fact that dietary supplements are mainly taken orally, and are therefore broken down by digestive processes into simpler digestible elements amino acids and peptides (small chains of amino acids). For cancer patients, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any food supplements, especially collagen.

 

Conclusion

Collagen is an important structural protein in connective tissues, and its regulation in the tumor microenvironment can influence cancer progression. In fact, increasing levels of collagen in the extracellular matrix can promote tumor growth by creating favorable conditions for cancer cells, allowing them to spread more easily. Some studies suggest that the increased rigidity due to the excess of collagen may activate pro-cancer signaling pathways. However, collagen can also play a protective role by limiting the spread of cancer cells when it forms a physical barrier. Thus, the link between collagen and cancer development is complex and multifactorial.

Research about the effect of collagen intake on cancer is still limited, and the exact mechanisms driving the underlying processes are still unknown. However, taking collagen orally seems harmless, and no study has shown any major side effects of taking collagen-based dietary supplements. Two randomized clinical trials evaluating the impact of collagen supplementation on skin health and aging reported no side effects in the 372 patients included in these two studies.

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Image credits: National Cancer Institute, Ash Hayes auf Unsplash