Serum levels of lead and selenium in patients with premature graying of the hair

Abstract

Hair graying is a natural occurring process of aging. However, when it happens prematurely it can be an esthetic problem causing low self-esteem and social acceptability leading to psychological issues. Moreover, several studies have found associations between premature hair graying (PHG) and several more serious conditions such as osteopenia, coronary artery disease, and autoimmune disorders. 1-3 As a rule of thumb, 50% of hairs of 50% of people older than 50 years are gray 4 ; however, recent studies showed that only 6%-23% of people older than 50 years have 50% gray hairs. 5 Abstract Background: The exact etiology of premature hair graying (PHG) remains unknown; however, oxidative stress is shown to be involved. Selenium, as an antioxidant, is widely known for its antiaging potentials. Moreover, PGH is more prevalent among addicts and because Lead is a common impurity found in illegal drug. Aims:We evaluated the serum levels of lead and selenium in patients with PHG and compared it with a control group. Patients/Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 60 patients referred to Dermatology Clinic of Imam-Reza Hospital of Mashhad, Iran in 2015 were evaluated in two groups with and without PHG. Demographic information and disease characteristics, skin phenotype, and family history of PHG were recorded. Furthermore, 5 mL of brachial blood was drawn for measuring selenium and lead levels. Results:The mean patients' age was 28.1 ± 4.8 years. Age, sex, occupation, and skin phenotype in individuals with and without PHG were not significantly different (P > .05) but family history of PHG was significantly higher in the patients with PHG (P = .001). Similarly, the number of white hairs was significantly higher (P < .001), and the age of onset of hair graying was significantly lower in patients with PHG (P < .001). Serum levels of selenium and lead were not significantly different between two groups (P < .05). However, the serum levels of lead in the patients with PHG were slightly higher. Conclusions:The results of this study showed that there was no significant difference in lead and selenium serum levels in patients with and without PHG. K E Y W O R D Slead, premature hair graying, selenium

Premature graying of hair: Risk factors, co‐morbid conditions, pharmacotherapy and reversal—A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Among mineral deficiencies, significant association was seen between PGH and low serum calcium and ferritin levels (Figure 3). There was exception for the levels of lead and selenium where Kiafar et al 49 showed no significant difference in patients with and without PHG.…”

“…Positive family history (of at least one family member) was present in 25.3‐90% 1,25,29,37,47‐49,56,58,59 . Family history of PGH was found in 55.8% (1st degree), 25% (2nd degree) and 38.4% (3rd degree) relatives among Indian PGH patients 1 .…”

“…Positive family history (of at least one family member) was present in 25.3-90%. 1,25,29,37,[47][48][49]56,58,59 43 Degree of PGH was found to be an independent predictor of CAD. 31 Positive association between hair whitening score and CAD is also reported by ElFaramawy et al, 57 and Eisenstein et al 24…”