TLDR Mustard gas exposure causes hair loss, but treating with N-acetylcysteine can prevent it.
In 2004, researchers discovered that guinea pigs exposed to 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), a mustard gas analog, experienced significant hair loss without visible skin damage, indicating that hair loss could be a biomarker for subacute mustard gas exposure. Microscopic examination showed hair follicle regression and decreased keratinocyte proliferation. Pre-treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was found to prevent this hair loss, suggesting NAC's potential as a treatment for mustard gas toxicity. The exact number of guinea pigs involved in the study was not mentioned.
194 citations
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March 2003 in “American Journal of Pathology” Stress stops hair growth in mice by causing early hair growth phase end and harmful inflammation through a specific nerve-related pathway.
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October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Chronic Telogen Effluvium is a hair loss condition in middle-aged women that usually doesn't lead to complete baldness.
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January 2007 in “Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology” Iranian veterans exposed to sulfur mustard suffer from long-term skin itching and eye damage, with some risk of skin cancer and ongoing management challenges.
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July 2023 in “Cells” MG53 helps reduce skin damage caused by nitrogen mustard.
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November 2012 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Prostaglandin D2 blocks new hair growth after skin injury through the Gpr44 receptor.
![Influence of FHIT on Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Tumors and Alopecia in Mice: Chemoprevention by Budesonide and N-Acetylcysteine](/images/research/f8f56777-f891-4879-8c45-c87d6aa82563/small/35499.jpg)
24 citations
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May 2006 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” Budesonide and N-acetylcysteine reduced tumors and alopecia in mice, regardless of FHIT gene status.
Monocyclic aromatic compounds are important for developing various drugs and treatments.
