Vitamin B Deficiency Induces Imbalance in Melanocytes Homeostasis-A Cellular Basis of Hypocobalaminemia Pigmentary Manifestations.

Vitamin B deficiency causes significant changes in cellular metabolism leading to various clinical symptoms, such as hematological, psychiatric, and neurological disorders. We hypothesize that skin pigmentation disorders may be a diagnostically important manifestation of vitamin B deficiency, however the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of vitamin B deficiency on melanocytes homeostasis. Hypocobalaminemia in vitro model was developed by treating epidermal melanocytes with synthesized vitamin B antagonist-hydroxycobalamin(-lactam). The cells were examined using immunoenzymatic, spectrophotometric, and fluorimetric assays as well as image cytometry. Significant melanogenesis stimulation-the increase of relative melanin content and tyrosinase activity up to 131% and 135%, respectively-has been indicated. Cobalamin-deficient cells displayed the elevation (by 120%) in reactive oxygen species level. Moreover, the redox status imbalance was stated. The study provided a scientific evidence for melanocytes homeostasis disturbance under hypocobalaminemia, thus indicating a significant element of the hyperpigmentation mechanism due to vitamin B deficiency. Furthermore, the implication between pigmentary and hematological and/or neuropsychiatric symptoms in cobalamin-deficient patients may be an important issue.