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Particulate Matters Induce Apoptosis in Human Hair Follicular Keratinocytes

Mee Sook Jun1, Mi Hee Kwack1, Moon Kyu Kim1,2

  • 1Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.

Annals of Dermatology
|April 29, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Air pollution's particulate matter (PM) can enter hair follicles, causing cell death and inflammation. This study shows PM exposure damages follicular keratinocytes, potentially impairing hair growth.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of airborne particles.
  • Urban PM has been shown to penetrate hair follicles through skin.
  • The impact of PM on human scalp hair follicles requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the effects of particulate matter (PM) on cultured human scalp hair follicles.
  • To investigate the impact of PM on hair follicular keratinocytes in vitro.

Main Methods:

  • TUNEL staining assessed apoptosis in hair follicles.
  • MTT assays evaluated cell viability.
  • Quantitative real-time PCR, ELISA, and fluorescence assays measured gene expression, cytokine levels, and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Main Results:

  • PM exposure led to significant apoptosis in various hair follicle regions.
  • Cell viability, particularly in the outer root sheath (ORS), decreased after PM exposure.
  • PM upregulated inflammatory genes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and ROS production in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

  • Particulate matter from air pollution induces apoptotic cell death in follicular keratinocytes.
  • Increased ROS production and inflammatory cytokines are key mechanisms.
  • PM exposure may negatively impact hair growth.
Keywords:
ApoptosisHair keratinocyteHair lossParticulate matterReactive oxygen species

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