What is hydroxyprolin?
hydroxyproline (hyp) is a non -essential amino acid that is derived from another amino acid, proline. It is created by interaction of ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C and proline. This causes a hydroxyl group that is a bound oxygen molecule, which connects to the carbon carbon atom and turns it into hydroxyproline.
In 1902, this amino acid was isolated in gelatin. It is a proteinogenic amino acid, which means it is one of the 22 amino acids that is an integral part of the human body proteins and is also part of a standard human genetic code. Hydroxyprolin production takes place in the gastrointestinal tract.
Without vitamin C, the production of hydroxyproline is impossible. This is a serious problem because the body without it is unable to produce its most important structural protein, collagen. Both proline and hydroxyproline are essential in the formation of this key substance and the lack of one may lead to serious instability of collagen in the body.
The lack of this amino acid is often one of the first visible symptoms of Scurva. The final cause of Scurva is too little vitamin C, but this first manifests itself as a lack of collagen due to poor production of hydroxyprolin. Without it, any collagen in the body becomes unstable and is often excluded in the urine. Lack of collagen protein causes easy bruises of the skin, disintegrations in connective tissue and possible internal bleeding. Other problems caused by a limited amount of this amino acid include hair loss and retreating gums.
In addition to collagen, it is the only mammalian protein that is formed by hydroxyprolin, elastin. As the name suggests, this protein has elastic properties and is responsible for allowing the skin to maintain shape. It is also stored, in mammals, in places on the body whites are a large amount of weight, or where there are large transfers of mechanical energy. This allows the body to endure movement and pressure without meaningno deformities. The lack of hydroxyproline makes it difficult to create this protein, but the results are not as dramatic or immediate as when collagen is not produced.
It is not necessary for people to have a diet source for this amino acid. Its precursor, proline, is also irrelevant amino acid and is produced in the body. However, vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the human body and must be consumed - most often from fruits and vegetables - to make the body function properly.