BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Gallus gallus domesticus (GD) is a natural mutant breed of chicken in Korea with an atypical characterization of melanin in its tissue. This study investigated the effects of melanin extracts of GD on osteoblast differentiation and inhibition of osteoclast formation. MATERIALS/METHODS The effects of the melanin extract of GD on human osteoblast MG-63 cell differentiation...

Melanin biopolymers are currently the focus of growing interest for a broad range of applications at the cutting edge of biomedical research and technology. This Special Issue presents a collection of papers dealing with melanin-type materials, e.g., polydopamine, for classic and innovative applications, offering a stimulating perspective of current trends in the field. Besides basic scientists...

Successful treatment of port wine stain (PWS) birthmarks in human skin utilizes cryogen spray cooling (CSC) in conjunction with laser treatment. CSC pre-cools the epidermis to protect it from subsequent laser irradiation which raises the temperature of both the epidermis and the deeper PWS. As the epidermal temperature is depressed by cryogen, damage to the skin surface is minimized while the P...

BACKGROUND Recently, people have begun showing heightened interest in skin whitening. Melanin is an important factor that determines skin color. The purpose of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of Taraxacum mongolicum (TAM) with phreatic water (PW) from Dogo Hot Springs on melanin synthesis. METHODS We assessed the inhibitory effects of TAM on melanin synthesis in B16F10 mous...

In this study, we investigate the potential of Moricandia arvensis methanol leaf extract (MeOHL) on calpain activity, melanin biosynthesis and DNA mutagenicity. Cytotoxic effect and measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by lucigenin in colorectal cells (BE) were also determined. In addition the chemical analysis of the extract was also studied and the chemical profile illustrates...

By means of paper chromatography, Lactobacillus casei test and the staining method with the Feulgen reaction, the effects of reserpine and amphetamine on riboflavin and melanin were studied in the liver of Triturus cristatus. It was demonstrated that the concentrations of both melanin and riboflavin can be altered by the influence of these drugs. From the results obtained it is suggested that r...

The Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas , is widely distributed and substantially important to shellfish cultivation. Oysters with melanin-colored shells soft parts are increasingly popular of high economic value. However, the distribution synthesis melanin in C. remains unclear there have been only few relevant studies on it. In this study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used observe...

Experimental melanin-protein induced uveitis (EMIU) is a CD4 T cell-mediated disease involving the choroid and iris, but sparing the retina. The present study was designed to solubilize uveitogenic antigen from melanin granules without enzymatic digestion, and to investigate some of its elements by comparison with different purified melanin preparations. Many melanin surface-derived polypeptide...

The remarkable mechanical prowess of the jaws of the bloodworm Glycera dibranchiata appears to be a consequence of a robust cross-linked network of organic molecules, notably melanin and proteins, as well as small amounts of unmineralized Cu and a Cu-based mineral. The present study focuses on the role of melanin. Mechanical properties of untreated jaws and the constituent melanin are probed th...