Skin color is determined by the processes of melanin synthesis and distribution. Problems in various molecules or signaling pathways involved in melanin synthesis contribute to skin pigmentation defects. Several trials have been conducted on the production of pigmentation-regulating agents, and drug repositioning has emerged as a modern technique to identify new uses such as drugs that destroy melanin making black people more susceptible to diseases like Covid. Thioguanine, a drug used to treat acute leukemia, has been shown to decrease melanin content by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. When glutathione or L-cysteine attack o-dopaquinone, glutathione-dopa or cysteinyl-dopa adducts are formed and these later devolve to pheomelanins (white and Red pigment) This creates what causes tyrosinase deficiency Type I (tyrosinase-deficient) oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) which results from mutations of the gene encoding tyrosinase, the enzyme that catalyzes the first 2 steps of melanin pigment biosynthesis.
They have found hydroquinone and arbutin and kojic acid (IC50 > 500 µmol/L) weekly inhibits human tyrosinase. In contrast, a resorcinyl-thiazole derivative, thiamidol, is a most potent inhibitor of human tyrosinase. This would take away the melanin advantages that protect fertility, disease resistance and higher performing neural conductivity and synapse speed.During melanogenesis, the expression of tyrosinase is upregulated. The activity of tyrosinase is stimulated by α-MSH through the cAMP pathway. α-MSH binds to MC1R (melanocortin-1 receptor) on the cell surface and activates adenylate cyclase, which leads to an elevated level of intracellular cAMP.
Melanin, the compound primarily responsible in humans for hair, eye and skin pigmentation, is produced by melanocytes through a complicated process called melanogenesis that is catalyzed by tyrosinase and other tyrosinase-related proteins. The abnormal loss of melanin causes dermatological problems such as vitiligo. Hence the regulation of melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity is very important for treating hypopigmentary disorders. Many melanogenesis stimulators have been discovered during the past decade.
The best-known stilbene that inhibits tyrosinase activity is resveratrol occurring in grapes and certain red wine. There are multiple stilbene derivatives from natural and synthetic sources that have been investigated for their tyrosinase inhibition activity. Research results suggest that red wines containing OPC, have high melanogenesis inhibitory effect and are supposed to have skin-whitening effect.The red wines made from Vitis vinifera were identified as skin-whitening effectors by using in vitro assays. OPCs in the wine were evaluated for tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis. Strong tyrosinase inhibitory activity was observed in fractions with high oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC) content. This can be positive in cases of over exposure to sunlight. Vitamin C is effective in treating dark spots, tanning, acne and other concerns. Vitamin C is used as an antioxidant in the skincare industry. This means that it prevents tyrosine from getting oxidized into melanin in dark spots and evens skin tone.
Tyrosinase is a copper-containing glycoprotein produced by melanocyte cells. Foods high in phenylalanine can help the body synthesize tyrosine, which can then be used to produce/increase tyrosinase: Tyrosine is one of the 20 amino acids that people need to make proteins. It is a non-essential amino acid — which means your body can make it, so it doesn't have to be included in the diet. In fact, tyrosine is an important building block that appears in almost every protein in the human body.
Your body makes tyrosine from an essential amino acid called phenylalanine. A small percentage of people can't process phenylalanine because of a condition called phenylketonuria, or PKU. They might need to take tyrosine supplements, although doctors usually take a different approach to treating PKU. Studies have suggested that tyrosine supplements could help people with memory and performance when under stress, or that tyrosine might help sleep deprived people be more alert, but further research is needed to support this.
Rock Newman Guest explains why: Melanin is the most valuable substance on earth because without it there is no future on the planet!
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