Tag: Hydroxylysine

High plasma levels of hydroxylysine are a significant indicator of accelerated connective tissue breakdown. Understanding what causes high hydroxylysine is crucial for diagnosing and managing a variety of underlying medical conditions, from metabolic disorders to inflammatory diseases that affect collagen.

Hydroxylysine, a modified amino acid, is found almost exclusively within the collagen proteins of mammals. This unique component is primarily known for its critical role in the structural integrity and stability of collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the human body. Its functions are pivotal for maintaining the health and structure of skin, bones, and cartilage.

Hydroxylysine is a key post-translational modification of the amino acid lysine, a process critical for creating robust collagen structures. Its presence, though making up only a small fraction of the protein's content, is central to why hydroxylysine is important in collagen, fundamentally dictating the protein's strength and mechanical stability.