Redefining the Collagen Composition of Human Fasciae: Emerging Collagen Types and Structural Heterogeneity

1. Introduction

Traditionally, fascia was regarded as a passive connective tissue layer surrounding muscles and organs, primarily composed of collagen fibers and fibroblasts. In recent years, however, research has demonstrated that fascia is a more complex and functionally active system. Multiple types of fasciae - superficial, deep, visceral and neural- have been identified, each sharing structural and functional characteristics, while exhibiting distinct cellular organizations, extracellular matrix composition and associated anatomical structures [1]. These variations reflect the specialized physiological roles performed by each fascial subtype.

The superficial fascia (SF) is characterized by an extracellular matrix composed of collagen and elastic fibers in a 1:1 ratio [2], forming a three-dimensional network in which fibroblasts and immune cells, like mast cells, are embedded [3]. Functionally, it provides mechanical support and protection, while facilitating the proper functioning of vascular and neural structures. Owing to these properties, the SF plays a crucial role in lymphatic drainage [4], dermatomeric perception [5] cutaneous repair [6], and the maintenance of a smooth gliding interface between the skin and the underlying muscles [1].

The deep fascia (DF), instead, consists of two to three distinct layers of dense connective tissue separated by thin layers of loose connective tissue rich in water and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) [7]. Each dense layer consists of parallel bundles of collagen fibers whose orientations differ between layers by approximately 78° [8], a configuration that contributes to the fascia’s mechanical adaptability. Collagen fibers are synthesized by fibroblasts, and, alongside these cells, specialized cells termed fasciacytes [9] are described, responsible for producing hyaluronan. Additionally, elastic fibers account for around 1% of the tissue’s composition [2], allowing the fascia to withstand stretching and facilitating the efficient distribution of mechanical stresses.

Traditionally, the studies have focused on Collagen types I and III composition within the superficial and deep fascia, as these collagens constitute the principal structural components of human connective tissues [10]. Additionally, research have investigated how these collagen types can be altered by various stimuli, including hormonal [11,12], mechanical [13], and age-related factors [14]. For instance, it has been demonstrated that the total collagen content in the intramuscular connective tissue of elderly men (79.0 ±12.4 years) is approximately twice that observed in young individuals. Moreover, with advancing age, a significant increase in type I Collagen has been reported, reducing fascial adaptability and impairing muscle–fascia interactions [14].

Furthermore, the presence of estrogen receptors in fascial fibroblasts influences the synthesis of type I and type III Collagen: in the deep fascia, during postmenopausal period, fibroblasts exhibit a decreased production of type III Collagen accompanied by a simultaneous and significant increase in type I Collagen synthesis [11], contributing to fascial rigidity.

Even pathologies, such as obesity [15] and Dupuytren's disease [16], cause modifications at the fascia level, with significant alterations in total collagen and in type I and III Collagens, with a consequent variation in the physiological behavior of the fasciae: the increase of Collagen type I has been correlated to a non-physiological fibrosis and stiffness of the tissue, and a parallel reduced capability to adapt to different stimuli [14,16,17].

Nonetheless, the documented heterogeneity of collagen types across different connective tissues has prompted the hypothesis that fasciae may contain additional collagen types beyond type I and III. Indeed, it has been reported that Collagen type VI is an important component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) across all human connective tissues [18], where it performs multiple roles, like contributing to the mechanical properties typical of ECM collagens or exerting more specialized cytoprotective functions [19]. It also can bridge the resident cells to the surrounding connective tissue to organize the three-dimensional tissue architecture [19]. The role of Collagen type VI in the tendon was confirmed by Cenni et al., who highlighted that this type of collagen is also a critical component for the correct mechanical response of tendon fibroblasts [20].

Collagen type XII instead is associated with type I Collagen and therefore present in the same tissues. Its function allows to modulate tissue flexibility, enhance resistance to stretching, and support dynamic adaptation to mechanical forces [19,21].

Moreover, both Collagens type VI and XII are involved in skin wound repair processes, showing an increase of their expression seven days after injury, with a subsequent progressive reduction [22,23].

In conclusion, given the presence of these types of collagens in connective tissues, in this study we propose to verify and consequently quantify their presence also in the fasciae (superficial and deep) to deeper understand the matrix composition of these structures.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Tissue Collection

Superficial and deep fascia samples (approximately 1 cm²) were collected from 19 adult patients (ages from 20 to 83 y/o; 6 females, 13 males). 8 samples were collected from the lower back region and 11 from the thigh, during elective surgeries at the Orthopedic Unit of the University of Padova Medical Center. The collection of human fascial tissue was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Hospital of Padova (approval no. 3722/AO/16). The research was performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki as revised in 2000 and those of Good Clinical Practice. All subjects participating in the study gave their oral and written informed consent.

After collection, all specimens were immediately transferred to the Institute of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, for histological and biochemical analyses.

The inclusion criteria for participation consisted of these parameters: adult patient (age >18 years); male or female; patients who underwent emergency surgery for spinal trauma; patients who underwent femoral head replacement. The exclusion criteria include known connective-tissue disorders; active malignancy; chronic lumbar spinal pathology; diagnosed diabetes; tumors.

Each sample was divided into two pieces, one portion was frozen at −80 ◦C for immunoblotting and hydroxyproline content analysis, while the second piece was fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Fixed samples were dehydrated in graded ethanol and xylene, embedded in paraffin and cut into 5 µm thick sections by Leica RM2255 microtome. Dewaxed sections underwent hematoxylin-eosin, Azan Mallory and immunohistochemistry.

2.2. Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining

Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining was performed to evaluate the general morphology of the tissue. Deparaffinized sections were stained in hematoxylin (4 min) to stain nucleic acids and then counterstained with eosin (1 min) for the cytoplasm. After being dehydrated through an ascending alcohol series and cleared in xylene, the samples were finally mounted by Eukitt (Agar Scientific Elektron Technology, Stansted, UK).

2.3. Azan Mallory Staining

Azan–Mallory staining was performed to evaluate the fascia ECM, with particular focus on connective tissue organization and collagen fiber distribution. After deparaffinization and rehydration, tissue sections were incubated in azocarminium solution containing 1% acetic acid (freshly added before use) for 60 min at 60 °C, followed by rinsing in deionized water to stop the reaction. Slides were then immersed in acid alcohol for 1 min and rinsed for 5 min in deionized water. Sections were subsequently stained with phosphotungstic acid for 5 min, briefly rinsed again in deionized water, and finally immersed in Mallory solution until optimal color intensity was reached. The reaction was terminated by rapid washing in deionized water. Slides were then dehydrated, cleared, and mounted by Eukitt (Agar Scientific Elektron Technology, Stansted, UK).

2.4. Immunohistochemistry

Dewaxed sections were stained for Collagen type I, Collagen type III, Collagen type VI and Collagen type XII. For Collagen Type I staining, the slices were incubated in EDTA solution (Ethylenediaminetetraacetate—Sigma Aldrich) pH 9, at 90 °C for 15 min, to permit the antigen retrieval, and then washed in PBS. All the sections were treated with 3% H₂O₂ in PBS for 15 min to inhibit endogenous peroxidases. After washings in PBS and a 1 h incubation in blocking solution (PBS + 0.2% bovine serum albumin (BSA)), samples were incubated overnight at 4°C with the following primary antibodies: Anti-Collagen I in Goat (Southern-Biotech, 1:400); Anti-Collagen III in Mouse (Abcam, 1:350); Anti-Collagen VI in Rabbit (Proteintech, 1:500); Anti-Collagen XII in Mouse (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, 1:40).

After repetitive PBS washing, the sections were then incubated for 1 h in PBS + 0.2% BSA with the secondary antibodies HRP-conjugates (Horseradish Peroxidase): Rabbit Anti-Goat (Jackson ImmunoResearch (West Grove, PA, USA), 1:300); Goat Anti-Mouse (Jackson ImmunoResearch, 1:500); Goat Anti-Rabbit (Jackson ImmunoResearch, 1:250).

The reaction was then developed with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (Liquid DAB + substrate Chromogen System kit Dako), stopped with distilled water, and counterstained with Toluidine Blue 0.1%. All images were acquired by Leica DMR optical microscope (Leica Microsystem, Wetzlar, Germany).

2.5. Hydroxyproline Assay Kit

The quantity of hydroxyproline (HYP) in fascial samples was evaluated using a colorimetric assay (MAK008, Sigma-Aldrich), as an indirect indicator of collagen content, being a major component of collagen and largely restricted to it.

In brief, about 50 mg of tissue samples were homogenized using 100 μL H₂O for every 10 mg of tissue. Then, 100 μL of tissue homogenate was transferred to a pressure-tight vial; 100 μL concentrated hydrochloric acid (10 N) was added and hydrolyzed at 120°C for 3 h. 10 μL of supernatant was transferred to a 96-well plate and let it evaporate in oven at 60°C. Then it was added 100 μL of the chloramine T/oxidation buffer mixture to each sample and incubated at room temperature for 5 minutes. HYP concentration was determined by the reaction of 100 µL of oxidized HYP with 4-(dimethylamino) benzaldehyde (DMAB), resulting in a colorimetric product. The absorbance was measured at 560 nm using the VICTOR-3™ automated microplate reader (Perkin Elmer, Waltham, MA, USA) and converted into µg of hydroxyproline/mg of tissue, based on the standard curve obtained with the Collagen standard solution (from 0 to 1 µg/µL).

2.6. Western Blot

Immunoblotting quantified the collagen fibres of different types: I, III, VI and XII.

Briefly, the frozen samples were thawed, cut with a surgical scalpel, and mechanically digested; total proteins were extracted using RIPA lysis buffer (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) and quantified with the BCA Protein Assay Kit (Thermo Scientific). Equal amounts of proteins (20 µg) were separated on precast polyacrylamide gel with a gradient of 4–25% (Mini-PROTEAN® TGX™ Precast Gels, Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA) and transferred onto polyvinylidene difluoride membranes, PVDF (Bio-Rad). The membranes were incubated with a blocking solution for 1 h at room temperature, and then incubated overnight at 4 ◦C with the corresponding primary antibodies as follows:

• Anti-Collagen I in Goat (Southern Biotech, 1:1000) in TBS (Tris-buffered saline solution) +5% non-fat dry milk, blocking solution TBS + 5% non-fat dry milk;
• Anti-Collagen III in Rabbit (Abcam, 1:6000) in 0.5% BSA in PBS, blocking solution PBS + BSA 4%;
• Anti-Collagen VI in Rabbit (Proteintech, 1:2000) in PBS + 2% non-fat dry milk, blocking solution PBS + 5% non-fat dry milk;
• Anti-Collagen XII in Mouse (Santa Cruz, 1:1000) in 2% BSA in PBS, blocking solution PBS + 5% non-fat dry milk;

After repetitive washes in PBS or TBS, the membranes were incubated, respectively, with goat anti-rabbit–RP (Jackson ImmunoResearch, 1:5000), rabbit anti-goat (Jackson ImmunoResearch, 1:12,000) or goat anti-mouse (Jackson ImmunoResearch, 1:5000) antibody for 1 h at room temperature.

After repetitive washes, the immunoreactive reaction was determined by SuperSignal™ West Pico PLUS Chemiluminescent Substrate (Thermo Scientific). The intensity of the bands was measured with the Top-Sensitivity Chemidoc Systems and Analysis Software (UVITEC, Cambridge, UK) and normalized on the same membrane based on the total protein amount transferred to the membrane, evaluated with Ponceau-S staining [24] and subsequent analysis with ImageJ Software (Analyze Gel–Plot Lanes). Each protein (Collagen I, Collagen III, Collagen VI and Collagen XII) was analysed in all the samples at least in duplicates.

2.7. Statistical Analysis

All the results are presented as the mean ± standard deviation of at least 3 replicates for each experiment. The GraphPad Prism 3.0 statistical package (GraphPad Software Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) was used for the analysis. Results were tested by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons, and non-parametric unpaired t-test (Mann-Whitney U test).

* p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01 were considered the limits for statistical significance.

3. Results

The hematoxylin and eosin stain showed how superficial (Figure 1, A) and deep fascia (Figure 1, B) present different organization of the extracellular matrix, with the presence of a larger number of cells (nuclei highlighted in blue/purple) in the superficial fascia compared to the deep one.

Collagen fibers are densely arranged in the deep layer (Figure 1, B) and more loosely organized in the superficial one (Figure 1, A). The superficial fascia also contains visible blood vessels and adipocytes.

The distribution of collagen fibers was confirmed by Azan Mallory staining (Figure 2): abundant collagen fibers, stained in blue, were highlighted both in superficial (Figure 2, A) and deep (Figure 2, B) fascia.

The total collagen content analysis revealed a significantly (**p=0.006) higher amount of collagen in the deep fascia compared to the superficial one (Figure 3). Specifically, the superficial fascia contained a mean of 0.36 ± 0.14 µg of hydroxyproline per mg of tissue, whereas the deep fascia showed a mean of 0.55 ± 0.17 µg/mg.

Subsequent immunoblot analyses assessed the amount of Collagen types I, III, VI and XII, in both superficial (Figure 4, A) and deep (Figure 4, B) fascia.

The mean ratio values for Collagen types I, III, and XII in the superficial fascia were similar, respectively 0.12 ± 0.07 (Col I), 0.13 ± 0.09 (Col III), and 0.13 ± 0.11 (Col XII) (Figure 4, A). In contrast, Collagen type VI was present at approximately twice the amount of the other types, with a mean value of 0.24 ± 0.13, statistically significantly different compared with the other collagen types (I, III, and XII).

In the deep fascia, Collagen type VI shows a mean value of 0.27 ± 0.10, (Figure 4-B) significantly higher from the mean quantity of Collagen type I (0.11 ± 0.08, p=**) and XII (0.13 ± 0.04).

Collagen type III (mean value = 0.17 ± 0.11) did not show significant differences with other types of collagen present in the deep fascia.

Furthermore, samples from different anatomical regions were stratified by anatomical sites to evaluate potential differences (Figure 5 and Figure 6).

Figure 5 shows statistically significant zone-dependent differences for Collagens type I, VI, and XII of the superficial fascia. Indeed, Collagen type I content was higher in SF of the thigh (0.14 ± 0.06) compared with the SF of low back (0.03 ± 0.02). In contrast, both Collagens type VI and XII were present in greater amounts in SF of the back than in the thigh (0.36 ± 0.09 vs. 0.16 ± 0.08 for Collagen type VI, and 0.20 ± 0.11 vs. 0.08 ± 0.08 for Collagen type XII). Conversely, Collagen type III shows similar levels in both regions, with mean values of 0.14 ± 0.08 in the thigh and 0.11 ± 0.08 in the low back.

In the deep fascia, Collagen type I and III presented significantly different content between body areas (p=*) (Figure 6): both types was higher in the thigh, with value equal to 0.17 ± 0.06 for the Col type I, and 0.27 ± 0.07 for the Col type III. Respectively, in the low back region the ratios were 0.05 ± 0.04 and 0.12 ± 0.09. Anatomic site-dependent differences were observed also for Collagen type VI and type XII, with greater values in the low back region with respect to the hip, although not statistically significative: mean values are equal to 0.19 ± 0.06 ​​in the hip region and 0.33 ± 0.08 ​​in the low back for the Collagen type VI, and 0.10 ± 0.05 and 0.15 ± 0.01, respectively in the thigh and in the back, for Collagen type XII.

In general, all collagen subtypes exhibited substantial inter-individual variability, yet the group means differed significantly. This variability persisted when the data were stratified by sex or age, with no significant differences observed between these subgroups (data not shown).

The presence and distribution of the different types of Collagens were confirmed by immunohistochemistry (Figure 7).

The immunostaining confirmed the presence of Collagen type I (Figure 7, A-D) and Collagen type III (Figure 7, E-H) fibers in both the fascia lata of the thigh and the thoracolumbar fascia. Type III Collagen was predominantly localized toward the outer regions, whereas Collagen type I was mainly concentrated toward the central area, corresponding to the more compact zone of the fascia. A strong presence of Collagen type VI was also observed (Figure 7, I-L), showing a homogeneous distribution throughout the entire fascial tissue. Furthermore, staining revealed the distribution of Collagen type XII, predominantly within the dense regions of the deep fascia, closely associated with areas enriched in Collagen type I (Figure 7, M–P).

4. Discussion

Until now, debate about fascia and its collagen composition have generally assumed that these tissues contain mainly collagen types I and III [9]. This study provides, for the first time, evidence of additional collagen types within the fascia, offering a deeper understanding of the structural and functional complexity of these tissues.

In this study, we demonstrated that the deep fascia contains a significantly greater amount of total collagen compared with the superficial fascia (0.55 ± 0.17 µg/mg and 0.36 ± 0.14 µg/mg, respectively, Figure 3). Moreover, the collagen fibers of the deep fascia are organized into rigid bundles, whereas those of the superficial fascia form a network, confirming that the deep fascia plays a significant role in force transmission, acting as a broad tendon [7], while the superficial fascia likely serves mainly a supportive role for superficial vessels, nerves, and lymphatics [25].

Moreover, the immunoblotting analyses revealed that the two main collagen types typically found in human connective tissue, types I and III, are not the predominant types within fasciae, as previously assumed. Instead, Collagen type VI emerged as the most abundant in both superficial and deep fascia. It is present at approximately twice the level of the other three collagens in both superficial and deep fascia: the ratio values are respectively 0.24 and 0.27, with respect to 0.12 and 0.11 of Col type I, 0.13 and 0.17 of Col type III, and 0.13 of Col type XII, which remains constant in the two types of fascia (Figure 4).

It is already known that Collagen type VI works as microfibrillar collagen [20] to bind together various tissue components, such as collagen fibers, nerves, blood vessels, cells, and ground substance, integrating them into a functional and cohesive, yet flexible, connective tissue framework, and helping cells to anchor to the surrounding matrix [18]. Our results of immunostaining demonstrated for the first time the diffuse and uniform distribution of the Collagen type VI throughout the fascial tissue (Figure 7), suggesting that it could contribute to the mechanical properties of the fasciae, as observed also in the skin [26]. Collagen type VI can also stimulate fibroblasts by regulating their migration and proliferation and it interacts with several membrane receptors involved in intracellular signaling pathways [26,27]. This role has already been evidenced in cancer studies: numerous investigations have shown that Collagen type VI contributes to tumor progression and the infiltration into tissues: Gao et al. demonstrated that COL6A1 acts as a master regulator of the basal tumor niche of glioblastoma, where it promotes malignancy and immunosuppression [28]. In bladder cancer COL6A3 activates the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway promoting tumor proliferation, migration, and conferring resistance to apoptosis [29].

Furthermore, studies using mouse models of Collagen VI-related muscular dystrophies, such as Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy and Bethlem myopathy, have shown that Collagen VI deficiency disrupts the extracellular matrix organization, leading to a compensatory increase in fibrillar collagens, and consequent fibrosis [30]. Such maladaptive remodeling results in a stiffer and less compliant fascial and muscular connective tissue. In parallel, Collagen type VI plays a critical role in skeletal muscle maintenance and regeneration by supporting the satellite cell niche, regulating mechanotransduction, and preserving mitochondrial and autophagic homeostasis [31]. Its absence increases muscle fiber vulnerability to mechanical stress, impairs regenerative capacity, and promotes dysfunctional fibrillogenesis and progressive muscle degeneration [31,32]. Considering the substiantial inter-individual variability observed in our studies in the amount of the different collagen types, it is plausible that subjects with lower levels of Collagen type VI exhibit increased ECM stiffness. This deficiency may compromise normal force transmission and tissue adaptability, thereby predisposing individuals to contractures, reduced range of motion, and early fatigability.

Secondly, we observed Collagen type XII (Figure 4 and Figure 7), in quantities comparable to Collagen type I in both superficial and deep fascia (0.13 and 0.12 respectively in the superficial fascia, and 0.13 and 0.11 in the deep one): these results are consistent with the functional role of Collagen type XII in regulating Collagen type I fibrillogenesis, and in modulating tissue flexibility, resistance to stretching and dynamic adaptation to mechanical forces [21].

In the context of myopathic syndromes, pathogenic variants in the COL12A1 gene give rise to a recognized subtype known as myopathic Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS), which is characterized by joint hypermobility accompanied by muscle weakness, hypotonia, and impaired motor development [33]. At the tissue level, deficiency or dysfunction of Collagen type XII disrupts the orderly assembly of Collagen I fibrils, resulting in a disorganized ECM with reduced mechanical efficiency. The identification of Collagen type XII in both superficial and deep fasciae in this work suggests that also fasciae may be altered in the EDS. Such alterations could impair force transmission and increase susceptibility to microinstability. A recent work by Wang et al., demonstrated reduced fascial gliding in patients with EDS compared with the control group, indicating that in the EDS fasciae exhibit mechanical incoherence [34]. Specifically. regions of excessive compliance coexist with areas of compensatory stiffness driven by maladaptive remodeling and increased deposition of fibrillar collagens. Clinically, this dual mechanical behavior manifests as the characteristic paradox observed in collagen XII–related EDS, in which joint hypermobility coexists with localized rigidity, myofascial pain, and reduced functional adaptability. The inability of the ECM to appropriately distribute mechanical loads promotes repetitive microtrauma, thereby triggering secondary fibrotic responses that further compromise tissue compliance.

Moreover, in this work we demonstrated an area-dependent variability in collagen distribution, a feature already highlighted in several previous studies [7,18,21,25,35]. However, for the first time, we showed that the fasciae of the thigh and low back regions exhibit opposite trends in Collagen-type content: Collagen types I and III are more abundant in the thigh (respectively 0.17 and 0.27 in the deep fascia and 0.14, for both types, in the superficial one); in contrast, Collagen types VI and XII show greater quantities in the lower back (respectively 0.33 and 0.15 in the deep fascia, while 0.36 and 0.20 in the superficial one) (Figure 5 and Figure 6). Although the superficial has a lower content of total collagen respect to the deep one, they show the same trend, influenced by the anatomical location, of Collagen type I, III, VI and XII. These findings suggest the high specificity of the fasciae, and that it is not possible to generalize the results of one fascia for all the fasciae of the body. Surely, fasciae form all together a three-dimensional network, but inside it, each fascia of each region has specific features.

The higher abundance of Collagen types VI and XII in the Thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) provides a plausible molecular basis for its distinct supramolecular organization compared with the fascia lata. Collagen type XII regulates fibrillogenesis and fibril alignment, while Collagen type VI stabilizes the inter-fibrillar network [18,31,32]. Consistently, Ugwoke et al. reported a higher forward-to-backward second harmonic generation ratio in the TLF than in the fascia lata (TLF = 0.53; FL = 0.40), reflecting intrinsic differences in higher-order collagen architecture [36]. It is already reported that TLF works as a large proprioceptive element, capable of sensing deformations and tensions in multiple directions, as reflected by its innervation distribution: a thin and delicate net of free nerve endings, strongly connected with the ECM and particularly responsive to stretch, shear loading and mechanical stimuli [37]. Collagen type VI plays a key role in peripheral nerve biology, regulating Schwann cell differentiation, preserving myelination, and maintaining nerve structure and function, as well as orchestrating nerve regeneration after injury [38]. In Collagen type VI knockout mouse model, the absence of Collagen type VI leads to structural myelin alterations, reduced nerve conduction velocity with shorter internodal length, and impaired motor coordination. Sensory functions is also affected: Col6a1^−/− mice exhibit disorganized C-fibers and delayed nociceptive responses to thermal and mechanical stimuli [39]. Our results, showing high Collagen type VI levels in both superficial and deep lumbar fascia, support the idea that this region serves as a key proprioceptive and sensory element, responsive to tactile, mechanical, and stretch stimuli.

The fascia lata, on the other hand, is subjected to greater but more consistently directed mechanical stress [40]. As a result, we can assume that it requires a greater proportion of collagen types that provide mechanical strength, such as Collagen type I [21].

5. Conclusions

In conclusion, this study reveals that human fascia contains not only Collagen types I and III but also substantial amounts of Collagen types VI and XII, with Collagen VI emerging as the predominant subtype and a diffuse distribution. Fasciae of the thigh and the low back displayed distinct collagen profiles, likely reflecting different mechanical roles (Figure 8).

These findings highlight the structural complexity and regional specialization of fascia. Notable variability is observed not only between superficial and deep layers but also across different anatomical sites. Importantly, it was reported for the first time the significant presence of Collagen types VI and XII in human fasciae, representing a novel and highly relevant finding. However, the small sample size limits further sub-categorization by factors such as sex, age, or other variables, which showed no significant differences between subgroups Nevertheless, it is evident that there is considerable interpersonal variability in the amount of the various collagens and in fascia composition, which may result in differences in rigidity, mobility and pain perception among individuals. Studies with larger cohorts will be essential to elucidate the variabilities and to identify the stimuli driving modifications in the collagen matrix Moreover, future investigations should potentially consider other collagen types, yet to be identified in fasciae. As research progresses, the complexity of fascia organization becomes increasingly evident.