Age-Induced Hair Graying and Oxidative Stress

September 2016 in “ Springer eBooks ”

Miri Seiberg

oxidative stress hydrogen peroxide H2O2 melanocytes catalase proteins antioxidants

Studysummary Gray hair is caused by oxidative stress damaging hair cells.

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The document discussed age-induced hair graying, emphasizing oxidative stress's role in this process. It highlighted that oxidative stress, particularly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation, damaged melanocytes, leading to gray hair. Reduced catalase activity, which breaks down H2O2, contributed to this damage. The document also referenced studies on the protective roles of proteins and antioxidants in mitigating oxidative stress, with potential implications for preventing or reversing hair graying.

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Research cited in this study

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research Premature Graying as a Consequence of Compromised Antioxidant Activity in Hair Bulb Melanocytes and Their Precursors

46 citations , April 2014 in “PLOS ONE”

This study found that compromised antioxidant activity in gray hair follicles affects both mature melanocytes and their immature precursors, linked to down-regulation of melanogenesis-related genes.

research Age-Induced Hair Greying: The Multiple Effects of Oxidative Stress

67 citations , August 2013 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

This review discusses the role of oxidative stress in hair greying and suggests that understanding melanocyte susceptibility at different follicular locations may help develop therapies for preventing and reversing the process; it reports no new experimental results.

research Coordinated Activation of Wnt in Epithelial and Melanocyte Stem Cells Initiates Pigmented Hair Regeneration

260 citations , June 2011 in “Cell”

This study found that Wnt signaling in the hair follicle is crucial for coordinating the behavior of epithelial and melanocyte stem cells, which drives hair regeneration and melanocyte differentiation in mice.

Topical Application of Polygonum Multiflorum Extract Induces Hair Growth of Resting Hair Follicles Through Upregulating Shh and β-Catenin Expression in C57BL/6 Mice

research Topical Application of Polygonum Multiflorum Extract Induces Hair Growth of Resting Hair Follicles Through Upregulating Shh and β-Catenin Expression in C57BL/6 Mice

91 citations , April 2011 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”

This study found that Polygonum multiflorum extract may promote hair growth by inducing the anagen phase in the resting hair follicles of mice.

research Melanocyte Stem Cells: A Melanocyte Reservoir in Hair Follicles for Hair and Skin Pigmentation

240 citations , April 2011 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research”

This review discusses the identification and characteristics of melanocyte stem cells, emphasizing their role in hair pigmentation, greying, and skin repigmentation, but reports no new research findings.

research Hair Follicle Stem Cells Provide a Functional Niche for Melanocyte Stem Cells

283 citations , February 2011 in “Cell stem cell”

COL17A1 is crucial for preventing hair graying and loss by supporting hair and pigment stem cells.

research Human Hair Follicle and Epidermal Melanocytes Exhibit Striking Differences in Their Aging Profile Involving Catalase

56 citations , December 2010 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

This study suggests that the susceptibility of hair follicle melanocytes to oxidative stress as they age may be key in the graying of hair due to reduced catalase expression and activity.

research Senile Hair Graying: H2O2-Mediated Oxidative Stress Affects Human Hair Color by Blunting Methionine Sulfoxide Repair

217 citations , February 2009 in “The FASEB Journal”

This study found that hydrogen peroxide accumulation and reduced methionine sulfoxide repair play a significant role in the oxidative damage linked to senile hair graying.

research Aging of the Hair Follicle Pigmentation System

75 citations , January 2009 in “International journal of trichology”

This review examines the differential aging of melanocytes in hair follicles and skin, and reports no new findings; the authors suggest further research is needed to understand these processes.

research Towards A Free Radical Theory Of Graying: Melanocyte Apoptosis In The Aging Human Hair Follicle As An Indicator Of Oxidative Stress Induced Tissue Damage

210 citations , May 2006 in “The FASEB journal”

This study found that oxidative stress in hair follicle melanocytes contributes to premature aging and apoptosis, providing insights into graying as a model for studying aging and testing antiaging therapies.