Betaine protects human melanocytes from H2O2-induced dysfunction and degeneration

Betaine is a potent lipotropic nutrient widely distributed in several foods, involved in protecting various cells against multiple stressful conditions especially oxidative stress. In our study, we demonstrated for the first time that betaine supplementation promoted the proliferation and attenuated H2O2-induced apoptosis and dysfunction in melanocytes through modulation of SCF/c-KIT, MITF, apoptosis, and MAPK pathways. Therefore, betaine might represent a promising therapeutic agent for vitiligo.