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Connective tissue is the substance between the cells
of the body that gives tissues form and strength. It serves as a connecting
function binding and supporting other tissues. This "cellular glue" also
delivers essential nutrients to the tissue. Connective tissue is made up of
dozens of proteins that include collagens, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins. The
combination of these proteins varies between tissues. The genes that encode
these proteins can harbor defects or mutations which affect the functioning of
certain properties of connective tissue in selected tissues. The connective
tissues are the structural portions of our body that essentially hold the cells
of the body together. These tissues form a framework for the body. The
connective tissues are composed of two major structural molecules - collagen and
elastin. There are many different collagen proteins that vary in amount in each
tissue of the body. Elastin is another protein that has the capability of
stretching and returning to original length like a spring.
Connective tissue diseases are disorders featuring abnormalities involving the
collagen and elastin. Connective tissue diseases are often characterized by a
variety of immune abnormalities and involve defects in the supporting structures
of the body such as skin, bone, cartilage, ligaments, blood vessels and organ
coverings. When these tissues are weakened by mutant genes, they lead to
connective tissue disorders. Hyaluronic acid supports the formation and
maintenance of collagen which is a very important element for healthy connective
tissue. Connective tissue diseases could be either genetic disorders or acquired
inflammatory and immune-system disorders.
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Genetic connective tissue disorders are
also known as Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue or HDCTs and
include:
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)
This group of HDCTs mostly affects the skin and joints. With EDS,
connective tissue becomes weak causing fragile, sagging skin and loose
joints.
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB)
With these disorders, the skin blisters when it is stressed.
Marfan syndrome This
disorder can affect the heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, bones, and
ligaments. People with this syndrome are unusually tall and thin with
disproportionately long arms and legs.
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)
In this disorder, bones break easily.
Many rheumatic related conditions are also connective tissue disorders
and they include:
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
is an autoimmune disease that can involve the organs and joints.
Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)
is a group of diseases complicated by abnormal growth of connective
tissue.
Sjogren's Syndrome is
a disease characterized by dryness, mostly of the eyes and mouth
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)
is considered an overlap of lupus, scleroderma, and other connective
tissue disorders
Osteoarthritis is the
loss of synovial fluid from the knee causing acute joint pain
Rheumatoid arthritis - is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic
inflammation of the joints
HA is very critical to the maintenance of healthy connective tissues.
Low levels of HA can lead to serious health problems and connective
tissue disorders. |
