Where is the collagenase produced?
As with most enzymes, the production of collagenase begins in the cell nucleus. Here, during transcription, a copy of a specific DNA section containing the information for this enzyme is made. This mRNA leaves the cell nucleus via the nuclear pores and reaches the ribosome.
Here the translation takes place and the enzyme is assembled by linking different amino acids. However, the active collagenase is not immediately produced, but an inactive precursor. This so-called procollagenase must be activated before it can be used.
This activation takes place after translation and only if the collagenase is required. To convert the procollagenase into an active collagenase, a short amino acid sequence must be truncated. This inactive precursor guarantees a controlled use of the collagenases, as otherwise they would immediately fulfil their function of breaking down connective tissue, even if the tissue in question is healthy.
What are the Collagenase Standards?
There is currently no standard value for collagenase in the human organism. This enzyme is found in many different human organs, such as the exocrine part of the pancreas. Here the collagenase has the task of reducing the size of food.
If such cells perish, as is the case with pancreatic inflammation, more collagenases are secreted into the blood. However, the concentration of collagenase is not measured, but other enzymes are used, such as lipase in this case. One reason for this is the widespread presence of collagenase. This fact makes the enzyme non-specific and therefore not suitable for laboratory analysis.
How does it work in Dupuytren’s disease?
Dupuytren’s disease is a disease associated with an increase in tissue in the palmar aponeurosis area of the hand. As a result, the patient is no longer able to fully extend the fingers. The little finger is particularly affected.
This finger can often no longer be stretched at all and lies completely against the palm of the hand. In this case, one also speaks of a bending contracture. It is not known how this disease develops.However, there is a familial clustering and risk factors are suspected, such as smoking cigarettes or the consumption of alcohol.
Patients suffer from a lack of hand mobility and both vessels and nerves can be damaged by Dupuytren’s disease. Various surgical procedures are available as forms of therapy, such as the removal of the palmar aponeurosis (aponeurectomy) or the splitting of fascia. However, one can also try to counteract the disease with so-called collagenase injections.
The injected collagenases are intended to break down the excess connective tissue. These enzymes are injected directly into the thickened palmar aponeurosis, which consists largely of collagen fibers. This loosens the tissue and the affected finger can then be stretched as far as possible.
If the collagenase injection is successful, the tissue is softened to such an extent that the thickened strand of the palmar aponeurosis is torn through by stretching the finger and the patient can move the hand normally again. Are you more interested in further treatment options for Dupuytren’s disease?
