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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2013, 16(4): 258-262pl  Melanogenesis and its significance in cosmetologyJacek Arct, Justyna Mirocha, Anna Wróblewska Wyższa Szkoła Zawodowa Kosmetyki i Pielęgnacji Zdrowia w Warszawie Summary Melanins are the most important pigments found in living organisms. They determine humans color of skin, hair and eyes and are produced in specialized cells - melanocytes within organelles called melanosomes. Within the skin, melanosemes along with the pigments inside are transferred to the keratinocytes of the epidermis. The pigments have a protective functions: they absorb ultraviolet radiation and neutralize free radicals. Melanin synthesis pathway (melanogenesis) starts with the amino acid tyrosine, which is oxidised to hinoid structures due to the action of the tyrosinase enzyme.The tyrosinase activation hormonal system by the ligands acting on the melanocyte membrane receptors, determines the rate of melanogenesis. After arising of the dopaquinone the melanogenesis pathway splits, depending on the conditions creates brown or black eumelanin or yellow-red pheomelanin. Sulfur amino acids, especially cysteine are involved in the formation of the pheomelanin.Melanogenesis is a very complex process which involves large number of enzymes. Furthermore the entire process is controlled hormonally on many levels. The role of melanin is not limited to protection against UV and free radicals. It is believed that melanosomes interact with the surrounding tissue at the molecular level and play an important role in the homeostasis of the skin. Key words: melanogenesis, melanosome, melanocyte, pheomelanin, eumelanin, tyrosinase, UV |