The Role of gp91phox and the Effect of Tranexamic Acid Administration on Hair Color in Mice.

Keiichi Hiramoto,Eisuke F. Sato,Yutaka Takishita,Yurika Yamate

doi:10.3390/ijms20112665

Keiichi Hiramoto, Eisuke F. Sato + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20112665

Copy DOI

Abstract

We observed that on long-term breeding, gp91phox-knockout (gp91phox−/−) mice developed white hair. Here, we investigate the origin of this hitherto unexplained phenomenon. Moreover, we investigated the effect of tranexamic acid administration on the hair color in gp91phox−/− mice. We administered tranexamic acid (about 12 mg/kg/day) orally to 9-week-old C57BL/6j (control) and gp91phox−/− mice, thrice a week for 12 months. Compared to control mice, gp91phox−/− mice showed more white hair. However, the concentrations of reactive oxygen species and the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the skin were lower than those in the control group. Furthermore, increase in white hair was observed in the control mice upon administration of the IL-1β antagonist. On the other hand, administration of tranexamic acid led to brown colored hair on gp91phox−/− mice. Although tranexamic acid treatment did not alter the expression levels of melanocortin receptor 1 and agouti signaling protein on hair follicles, it increased the expression of mahogunin ring finger protein 1 (MGRN1) and collagen XVII. These results suggested that retention of black hair requires the gp91phox/ROS/IL-1β/TGF-β pathway and that elevated levels of MGRN1 and collagen XVII lead to brown hair in gp91phox−/− mice.

Highlights

The color of hair is due to melanin and is dependent on whether it is delivered to the hair matrix cells [1]
The hair color of 12-month-old C57BL/6j mice was black, white hairs blend with the hair on the skin of gp91phox−/− mice (Figure 1A)
This study focuses on hair color, and the IL-1β secreted from melanocytes could play an important role in hair follicles

Summary

Introduction

The color of hair is due to melanin and is dependent on whether it is delivered to the hair matrix cells [1]. If melanin is not produced, the hair turns pale and it leads to white hair [2]. The melanocyte stem cell that determines hair color, which was discovered in 2002 [1], was shown to decreased with aging, resulting in the induction of white hair [1]. The accumulation of DNA damage by the extrinsic factors, such as for instance, radiations, or intrinsic factors, such as active oxygen along with faulty gene restoration process could lead to depletion of melanocyte stem cells [6]. Collagen type XVII decreases with aging, causing the melanocyte stem cells to diminish in number [8]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion