Response to "Comparative in vitro and in silico evaluation of the toxic effects of metformin and/or ascorbic acid, new treatment options in the treatment of Melasma".
Abstract
I read with great interest the manuscript by Yalçın et al.,1 which explores the potential of metformin and ascorbic acid as novel treatments for melasma. The study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying melanogenesis and the effects of these compounds on MNT-1 melanoma cells. However, we would like to highlight several points that could further strengthen the study’s conclusions and clinical relevance. First, while the study demonstrates that metformin increases tyrosinase activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), the clinical implications of these findings remain unclear. Previous research has shown that ROS can paradoxically stimulate melanogenesis by activating microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase.2 However, prolonged oxidative stress may also damage melanocytes, complicating the therapeutic potential of metformin. Further in vivo studies are necessary to determine whether the observed effects translate into clinically meaningful outcomes, such as reduced hyperpigmentation. Second, the study reports that ascorbic acid alone did not significantly alter melanin levels, which contrasts with some existing literature. For instance, Panich et al.3 demonstrated that ascorbic acid reduced melanin content in G361 melanoma cells, while Lee et al.4 observed increased melanogenesis in B16F10 cells. These discrepancies may arise from differences in cell lines, concentrations, or experimental conditions. Clarifying…
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