Melanin Biopolymers in Pharmacology and Medicine—Skin Pigmentation Disorders, Implications for Drug Action, Adverse Effects and Therapy

• Published in: Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 17; no. 4; p. 521
• Main Authors: Karkoszka, Marta, Rok, Jakub, Wrześniok, Dorota
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.04.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Biopolymers; Biosynthesis; Care and treatment; Complications and side effects; Dermatologic agents; Dermatology; Diagnosis; drug–melanin complex; Enzymes; Formulae, receipts, prescriptions; Free radicals (Chemistry); Growth factors; Health aspects; hyperpigmentation; hypopigmentation; Kinases; Melanin; melanocytes; Pigmentation disorders; Pigments; Properties; Proteins; Radiation; Review; Skin; Transcription factors; Tyrosine; Ultraviolet radiation; Poland; hyperpigmentation; hypopigmentation; melanocytes; drug–melanin complex; melanin

Melanins are biopolymeric pigments formed by a multi-step oxidation process of tyrosine in highly specialized cells called melanocytes. Melanin pigments are mainly found in the skin, iris, hair follicles, and inner ear. The photoprotective properties of melanin biopolymers have been linked to their...