Why in News
Researchers from Kerala have reported a series of cases from Malappuram district where the regular use of fairness creams has been linked to nephrotic syndrome.
Heavy metal screening of the blood and urine samples of these patients revealed high levels of mercury, the toxic effects of which are well-known
Reports on how keratin-based hair-straightening products containing glycolic acid derivatives led to severe kidney injury in women, was also one among recent such cases
Keratin
Keratin is one of a family of structural fibrous proteins also known as scleroproteins.
Alpha-keratin (α-keratin) is a type of keratin found in vertebrates.
It is the key structural material making up scales, hair, nails, feathers, horns, claws, hooves, and the outer layer of skin among vertebrates.
Keratin also protects epithelial cells from damage or stress.
Keratin is extremely insoluble in water and organic solvents.
Keratin monomers assemble into bundles to form intermediate filaments, which are tough and form strong unmineralized epidermal appendages found in reptiles, birds, amphibians, and mammals.
There are 54 kinds of keratin in your body
Keratin comes in two types, the primitive, softer forms found in all vertebrates and harder, derived forms found only among sauropsids (reptiles and birds)
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid (or hydroxyacetic acid) is a colorless, odorless and hygroscopic crystalline solid, highly soluble in water.
It is used in various skin-care products.
Glycolic acid is widespread in nature.
A glycolate is a salt or ester of glycolic acid.
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