Sphingolipid Metabolites Profiling in Hair Growth

This study developed a quantitation method for sphingolipids in animal and human hair using liquid chromatography linked tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). It measured lipid contents such as sphingoid bases, sphingoid bases 1-phosphate, Ceramide (Cer), and dihydroceramide (DHCer). The method was evaluated for specificity, carryover, linearity, calibration, correlation of determination (R2), LOD, LOQ, precision, accuracy, and recovery. Results showed higher DHCer levels in normal hair roots compared to distal tips, with levels ranging from 1960.23 to 1373.24 pmol/g. In alopecia patients, DHCer levels were significantly lower in upper hair fibers compared to side hair fibers, and specific ceramides (C16:0 and C24:1) were very low in upper hair. In an experimental mouse model of alopecia, both Cer and DHCer were significantly low. These findings suggested that DHCer content in hair could be a potential biomarker for alopecia progression.