What Is Gelatin? Other Names: Colla Corii Asini, Denatured Collagen, Ejiao

What is Gelatin?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Gelatin is a versatile protein product derived from the partial hydrolysis of collagen, which is found in animal skin, bones, and connective tissues. It is widely used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, due to its unique properties such as gelling, thickening, and stabilizing capabilities. Other names include: Colla Corii Asini, Denatured Collagen, Ejiao, Gelatina, Gelatine, Gélatine, Partially Hydrolyzed Collagen.

Sources and Production

Gelatin is typically obtained from the skin and bones of animals like cows, pigs, and fish. The production process involves the hydrolysis of collagen, which can be achieved through acid or alkaline treatment. For instance, gelatin can be extracted from bovine split hide using acetic acid, which affects its yield and physicochemical properties6. Similarly, buffalo hides can be pretreated with different acids to optimize gelatin extraction7.

Properties and Applications

Gelatin is known for its ability to form gels, which is why it is commonly used in food products like jellies, desserts, and marshmallows. Its gel strength and viscosity are important characteristics that determine its suitability for various applications. For example, gelatin extracted from fish bones using acetic acid has been shown to have desirable gel strength and viscosity8. Additionally, gelatin’s amino acid profile, which includes high levels of glycine and proline, contributes to its functional properties6.

Health and Nutritional Benefits of Gelatin

Gelatin is not only a functional ingredient but also offers health benefits. It is rich in amino acids that are essential for collagen synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, joints, and connective tissues. Studies have shown that gelatin supplementation can enhance collagen synthesis, potentially aiding in injury prevention and tissue repair2.

Innovations and Alternatives

Recent research has explored alternative sources of gelatin to cater to dietary restrictions and ethical concerns. For instance, gelatin derived from grasshoppers has been investigated as a halal alternative, showing promising results in terms of yield and quality4. Similarly, chicken feet have been utilized to produce gelatin with good physicochemical properties, offering another halal option5.

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Adverse Effects of Gelatin

Coagulation Effects

Gelatin administration can lead to a state of hypercoagulability, as indicated by changes in thrombelastogram parameters such as a decrease in r and r + k values and an increase in the alpha angle, suggesting enhanced clot formation2.

There is a slight but statistically significant decrease in platelet count, prothrombin time, and fibrinogen levels, although these changes are generally considered clinically negligible2.

Renal Effects

In patients with severe sepsis or septic shock, gelatin was associated with a lower frequency of acute renal failure compared to hydroxyethyl starch, indicating a relatively safer profile for renal function in these conditions3.

However, in elderly cardiac surgery patients, gelatin was linked to more pronounced changes in kidney function compared to hydroxyethyl starch, with higher serum creatinine levels and lower creatinine clearance observed postoperatively4.

In a study involving anesthetized pigs, gelatin led to altered renal histomorphology and reduced platelet counts, suggesting potential adverse renal effects during continuous venovenous hemofiltration9.

Other Observations

Gelatin can cause increased airway pressures and decreased pulmonary gas exchange, which may affect hemodynamics adversely9.

In a study on rats, gelatin resuscitation showed positive effects on lung tissue damage and coagulation, although it was noted that gelatin might be advantageous until blood transfusion is initiated in traumatic hemorrhagic shock10.

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How has Gelatin Improved Patient Outcomes?

Surgical and Procedural Efficiency

Endoscopic Resection: Succinylated gelatin (SG) has been shown to improve the efficiency of endoscopic resection of large sessile polyps in the colon. It significantly reduced the number of resections and injections needed per lesion, as well as the procedure duration, compared to normal saline2.

Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery: The use of a gelatin sponge impregnated with drugs during lumbar disc herniation surgery significantly reduced postoperative pain, shortened bedridden periods, and improved early recovery outcomes4.

Hemostasis and Blood Loss Reduction

Cervical Spine Surgery: Gelatin combined with thrombin (TGM-AGS) was more effective in reducing intraoperative blood loss during cervical laminoplasty compared to using an absorbable gelatin sponge alone6.

Anterior Cervical Surgery: Absorbable hemostatic fluid gelatin was effective in reducing intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, maintaining a clear surgical field, and shortening operation times in anterior cervical surgeries8.

Hemodynamic and Volume Expansion

Emergency Resuscitation: Modified fluid gelatin provided better hemodynamic improvement in patients with hypovolemic shock compared to lactated Ringer’s solution, as evidenced by increased central venous and pulmonary artery occlusion pressures5.

Cardiac Surgery: Gelatin was used as a volume expander post-cardiac surgery, but it was less effective than albumin in improving cardiac output and reducing lactate levels3.

Safety and Efficacy in Embolization

Uterine Artery Embolization: Tris-acryl gelatin microspheres used in uterine artery embolization for leiomyomas showed better outcomes in terms of quality of life improvements and tumor infarction compared to polyvinyl alcohol particles7.

Hemorrhoidal Disease: Superior rectal artery embolization with tris-acryl-gelatin particles was found to be a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease, with significant improvements in clinical success rates and quality of life scores10.

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Gelatin Mechanisms of Action

Enhancement of Bone Cement Properties: Gelatin accelerates the hydraulic reactions in calcium phosphate bone cements, leading to the rapid formation of nanostructured apatite precipitates. It also induces macroporosity, reduces setting time, and improves mechanical strength, which collectively enhance osteoblastic responses and alkaline phosphatase activity1.

Collagen Synthesis Augmentation: Gelatin supplementation, especially when enriched with vitamin C, increases the synthesis of collagen by elevating the levels of amino acids like glycine and proline in the bloodstream. This process is beneficial for tissue repair and injury prevention, as it enhances the mechanical properties of engineered ligaments2.

Nerve Regeneration: In composite scaffolds, gelatin supports the recovery of spinal cord injuries by promoting axonal transport and improving motor and neurological functions. This is achieved through the upregulation of proteins like GAP43 and NF200, which are crucial for nerve growth and repair3.

Wound Healing: Gelatin acts as a passive hemostatic agent, although it may cause severe inflammatory reactions and delayed wound healing compared to cellulose. This suggests that while gelatin can aid in hemostasis, its application in wound healing requires careful consideration5.

Tendon Repair: When integrated into electrospun membranes, gelatin enhances the adhesion, migration, and proliferation of tendon fibroblasts and endothelial cells. This promotes the formation of well-aligned collagen fibers, improving the biomechanical properties of repaired tendons6.

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Common Complaints Associated with Gelatin

Renal Function Issues: In medical settings, particularly in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock, the use of gelatin as a plasma-volume expander has been associated with a lower risk of acute renal failure (ARF) compared to hydroxyethylstarch. However, the study highlights that gelatin is still used in critical care settings, which may raise concerns about its safety in vulnerable populations2.

Digestive and Allergic Reactions: Although not directly covered in the provided abstracts, common complaints about gelatin in general use can include digestive issues or allergic reactions, as gelatin is derived from animal products. These concerns are typically more relevant in dietary contexts rather than the specific medical scenarios discussed in the abstracts.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.