Cysteine Prevents the Reduction in Keratin Synthesis Induced by Iron Deficiency in Human Keratinocytes

    July 2015 in “ Journal of Cellular Biochemistry ”
    Maria Concetta Miniaci, Carlo Irace, Antonella Capuozzo, Marialuisa Piccolo, Antonio Pascale, Annapina Russo, Pellegrino Lippiello, Fabio Lepre, Giulia Russo, Rita Santamaria
    Image of study
    TLDR Cysteine helps maintain keratin production in skin cells even when iron is low.
    The study conducted on December 20, 2015, showed that cysteine supplementation can up-regulate keratin expression in human keratinocytes, particularly in the presence of iron deficiency. The research used the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line and found that 10 µM cysteine for 48 hours increased keratin synthesis, as confirmed by densitometric analysis. Cysteine also prevented the reduction in keratin levels caused by iron deficiency, induced by an iron chelator. The study further revealed that cysteine led to an increase in iron-related proteins such as ferritin and transferrin receptor 1, without altering the labile iron pool, suggesting that cysteine can restore cellular metal homeostasis in iron-depleted cells. The experiments were repeated four times, and the results indicated that cysteine and iron are important for maintaining healthy epithelia by promoting keratin expression.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    7 / 7 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 15 results

      community This serum outperformed Minoxidil in a recent study. Please debunk

       23 upvotes 5 years ago
      A topical solution called "Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density" by The Ordinary Company, which contains several ingredients that are used in alternatives to Minoxidil and was found to have better results than 5% Minoxidil in a study. People who have tried it shared their experiences with the serum as well.

      community Losing ground after 14 months of fin use and 11 months of min

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  51 upvotes 2 years ago
      A 24-year-old person who is worried about their hair loss after 14 months of taking finasteride and 11 months of minoxidil. Replies to the post suggested sticking with their current regimen, that shedding from one part may not be telogen effluvium, and that shedding is normal with these drugs and they should evaluate in two to three months.

      community Can amino acids help with AGA

      in Chat  3 upvotes 8 months ago
      Amino acids like lysine, methionine, and cysteine may help with androgenetic alopecia when taken in high doses along with a DHT blocker. Users discuss combining these with treatments like Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

      community Dutasteride 0.5 mg - Oral Minoxidil 2.5 mg / First month

      in Progress Pictures  9 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 24-year-old male with androgenetic alopecia is using a treatment of Dutasteride 0.5 mg, oral Minoxidil 2.5 mg, L-cysteine, and a Ketoconazole/Caffeine/CBD shampoo. He's considering using a dermaroller to improve results, taking biotin and iron vitamins, and quitting nicotine due to its potential link to hair loss.

      community Fighting Hair loss AND Grey Hair

      in Treatment  18 upvotes 2 years ago
      The user is treating hair loss with topical Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, microneedling, and Ketoconazole. For grey hair, they use L-Cysteine, L-Methionine, and PABA, and have noticed some re-pigmentation.

    Related Research

    3 / 3 results