The topic of this article will revolve around the Melanotan 1 peptide and the extensive research it has been a part of regarding UV radiation. Melanotan 1 is a synthetic peptide analogous to the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (-MSH) [iii]. Melanotan 1 comprises the same number of amino acids as -MSH, which is 13, but it is only dissimilar to the endogenous peptide hormone by a pair of amino acids. Studies suggest this structure variation is probably why the synthesized peptide may have the potential to be bioactive; it may exert stronger affinity towards the target cells and have a longer half-life [iii].
Melanotan 1 peptide has been the subject of significant investigation, particularly its possible activity in erythropoietic protoporphyria. This is a hereditary disorder that scientists believe to be caused by unusually increased quantities of specific molecules that are referred to as porphyrins. The lack of specific enzymes necessary for producing hemoglobin [i], [ii], [iii] is likely the cause of these high concentrations of substances.
Melanotan 1 Peptide Overview
Studies suggest Melanotan I seems to replicate the activity of endogenous -MSH and may perhaps attach to the melanocortin receptors [iii]. Melanotan I also seems to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Some reports suggest test subjects with erythropoietic porphyria do not exhibit the enzyme ferrochelatase. It is usually necessary to have this enzyme to incorporate iron into protoporphyrin to produce heme [vi]. A lack of enzymes causes an organism’s protoporphyrin levels to rise to unhealthy levels, which may lead to cell death. Protoporphyrin, which is photodynamic, has the potential to form reactive oxygen when it is subjected to UV radiation, which has the potential to harm internal tissues [iii].
Researchers speculate that Melanotan I, which may act like an endogenous -MSH, may have the potential to bind to melanocortin receptors and, as a result, to promote the formation of eumelanin, a molecule with photoprotective properties. This eumelanin may protect tissues from any harm caused by exposure to UV light [iii]. Additionally, the generation of eumelanin is thought to have a role in skin tanning.
Melanotan-1 Peptide and Erythropoietic Porphyria
In order to investigate the potential of Melanotan on erythropoietic porphyria, a total of three clinical studies [iv] were carried out; in each of the three studies, the subjects were split into two groups; one group was given the peptide, while other received a placebo. The subjects were given either the active peptide or a placebo every two months, and their progress was tracked for 180 days. As suggested by the results of this research, subjects given the peptide could spend much longer in the sun without experiencing any discomfort (about 64 hours), in contrast to models given a placebo, who only experienced discomfort for roughly 40 hours.
Melanotan-1 Peptide and UV Radiation
The primary objective of this clinical trial [v] was to investigate the action mechanism of the peptide when it was combined with UV-B radiation or sunshine. The investigation was broken up into three separate clinical studies for phase 1. In the first experiment, there were eight subjects; four were given the peptide, while the others were given a placebo over ten days. The peptide was given to 12 models over ten days in the second trial. There were a total of seven subjects that were subjected to UV irradiation, and there were five subjects that were subjected to UV radiation. The concluding research was carried out on eight models, with about half receiving a placebo and the other half receiving the peptide. After that, each test subject spent three to five days each week lying face down in the sunshine. Researchers concluded that the findings of all three experiments suggested the peptide might have a good link with exposure and melanin formation.
More study is needed to fully understand its potential applications in science. Melanotan 1 for sale online is restricted to usage in research and educational institutes. You can find Melanotan 1 for sale, if you are a verified professional or active scientist. Core Peptides is a great resource for licensed researchers looking to purchase peptides for research trials. This article’s information is meant only for educational purposes.
References
[i] Rare Disease Database. National Organization for Rare Disorders. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/erythropoietic-protoporphyria/
[ii] Lecha, M., Puy, H., & Deybach, J. C. (2009). Erythropoietic protoporphyria. Orphanet journal of rare diseases, 4, 19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2747912/
[iii] National Center for Biotechnology Information. “PubChem Compound Summary for CID 16197727, Afamelanotide” https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Afamelanotide
[iv] Drug Trials Snapshots: Scenesse. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trials-snapshots-scenesse
[v] Dorr RT, Ertl G, Levine N, Brooks C, Bangert JL, Powell MB, Humphrey S, Alberts DS. Effects of a superpotent melanotropic peptide in combination with solar UV radiation on tanning of the skin in human volunteers. Arch Dermatol. 2004 Jul. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15262693/
[vi] Hooda, J., Shah, A., & Zhang, L. (2014). Heme, an essential nutrient from dietary proteins, critically impacts diverse physiological and pathological processes. Nutrients, 6(3), 1080–1102. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3967179/
