Research in labs can be incredible fascinating and provide insights into how synthetic analogs of naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormones, or α-MSH, may actually be better at protection skin cells from harmful UV damage than the original hormone produced in the body. This occurs because researchers can slightly modify the cellular structure of the analog, Melanotan ll, to create what is known as a superpotent variety.
Body Checks And Balances
One of the reasons why the natural melanocortin peptide hormones only have a limited effect on creating dark pigments, actually brown pigments, is that they are broken down in the body by enzymes. This is the check and balance system that works with all body functions. Without the enzymes the melanocortin peptide hormones would continue to circulate through the body and change the skin pigments to dark brown with even slight amounts of UV exposure.
Instead, the enzymes destroy the melanocortin peptide hormones in a relatively short time. This is known as the half-life of the peptide. Melanotan ll, however, has a slightly different chemical structure that limits the effects of the enzymes on the peptide. This means that the Melanotan ll is present in the cells longer, creating a more powerful effect.
Results in the Lab
In lab tests on rats as well as skin cells in vivo experiments, the presence of Melanotan ll leads to a higher production of eumelanin, which is the correct term for the dark pigment. Research also shows that higher cellular levels of eumelanin leads to a decrease in the incidents of skin cancer cells within the controlled experiments.
These experiments often expose the skin cells to much higher than normal UV exposure with the same positive results. In addition in obese lab animals, especially specially bred obese rat lines, the use of Melanotan ll showed a decrease in adipose tissue as well as a decrease in caloric consumption, even when free choice food was available.
The prospect of eumelanin production through the use of Melanotan ll seems promising from a laboratory testing perspective. Additional research into the cellular level benefit of this peptide will continue with many possibilities for use just around the corner. Melanotan ll has been linked in laboratory studies to an increase in eumelanin, the dark skin pigment that may help prevent skin cancer.
