Scientists divided 65 birds into three groups: one received a cysteine supplement, another received cysteine with a drug that inhibits pheomelanin production, and a control group received no treatment. The results showed that males capable of producing pheomelanin experienced less cellular damage compared to those whose pigment production was blocked, indicating a potential protective role for this substance. Despite this potential benefit, researchers emphasize that pheomelanin does not provide protection from ultraviolet radiation, unlike the dark pigment 'eumelanin.' This makes people with fair skin and red hair more susceptible to skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Scientists believe that hair or feather color may be related to how the body deals with internal cellular stress, rather than just being an aesthetic trait. The study opens the door to a deeper understanding of the relationship between vital pigments, the body's chemical balance, and cancer risk, while emphasizing that the results are derived from animal models and require further research to be confirmed in humans. According to researchers at the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Spain, the amino acid 'cysteine,' although safe within its natural levels, can become harmful when it accumulates, causing inflammation and damage to vital tissues and organs like the liver, brain, kidneys, muscles, and eyes. However, the scientific team believes that a yellow-orange pigment known as pheomelanin, responsible for red hair color, may prevent cysteine buildup in the body and mitigate its toxic effects. The researchers tested their hypothesis on zebra finches, known for their vibrant orange plumage. A recent scientific study has revealed that individuals with red hair may possess a unique biological mechanism that helps their bodies eliminate toxic compounds that could contribute to premature aging and cancer.
