Hair Pigmentation Research Articles

A Study of Micronutrient Levels in Premature Canities in Children

Abstract Background: Premature canities refer to the loss of hair pigment, at an earlier age than normal. Vitamins and minerals are involved in the various steps of melanogenesis. There is a paucity in the current literature on possible correlation between the serum levels of micronutrients and premature graying of hair. Materials and Methods: A case − control study was conducted on 56 patients of premature canities and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls between 12 and 18 years of age. After taking detailed history and physical examination, serum was analyzed for copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, Vitamin B12, folic acid, and Vitamin D levels in both cases and controls, and the results were compared. Results: Mean serum levels of zinc, magnesium, and Vitamin B12 were significantly lower in cases (P < 0.01). No significant difference between mean serum copper, iron, Vitamin D, and folic acid levels between cases and controls was found. Patients having deficiency of copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, and Vitamin B12 were significantly higher in cases compared to controls (P < 0.05). No significant association between the serum levels of micronutrients with severity of canities was found. Conclusion: On basis of our study, we conclude that patients of premature graying can have micronutrient deficiencies such as copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, and Vitamin B12. These micronutrients should be analyzed in patients of premature canities if facilities are available and if patients are found deficient, they should be supplemented for the same. However, further studies on a larger population and effect of supplementation of these micronutrients on premature graying are required.

Assessing the Activation of Tyrosine Kinase KIT through Free Energy Calculations.

KIT is a type 3 receptor tyrosine kinase that plays a crucial role in cellular growth and proliferation. Mutations in KIT can dysregulate its active–inactive equilibrium. Activating mutations drive cancer growth, while deactivating mutations result in the loss of skin and hair pigmentation in a disease known as piebaldism. Here, we propose a method based on molecular dynamics and free energy calculations to predict the functional effect of KIT mutations. Our calculations may have important clinical implications by defining the functional significance of previously uncharacterized KIT mutations and guiding targeted therapy.

Large Rab GTPase Rab44 regulates microtubule-dependent retrograde melanosome transport in melanocytes

Melanosomes are melanin-containing organelles in melanocytes, and they are responsible for skin and hair pigmentation in mammals. The intracellular distribution of melanosomes is mainly determined by the balance between their anterograde transport on actin filaments and retrograde transport on microtubules. Although we have shown previously that melanoregulin and Rab36 serve as cargo receptors on melanosomes for retrograde transport, their knockdown does not completely inhibit retrograde melanosome transport, suggesting the existence of an additional cargo receptor(s) in melanocytes. In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of an atypical large Rab, Rab44, which also contains EF-hand domains and a coiled-coil domain, in retrograde melanosome transport in mouse melanocytes (Rab27A-deficient melan-ash cells). Our results showed that Rab44 localizes on mature melanosomes through lipidation of its C-terminal Rab-like GTPase domain, and that its knockdown results in suppression of retrograde melanosome transport. In addition, our biochemical analysis indicated that Rab44 interacts with the dynein–dynactin motor complex via its coiled-coil domain–containing middle region. Since simultaneous depletion of Rab44, melanoregulin, and Rab36 resulted in almost complete inhibition of retrograde melanosome transport, we propose that Rab44 is the third cargo receptor. We also showed that the N-terminal region of Rab44, which contains EF-hand domains, is required for both retrograde melanosome transport and its Ca2+-modulated activities. Our findings indicated that Rab44 is a third melanosomal cargo receptor, and that, unlike other cargo receptors previously described, its transport function is regulated by Ca2+.

640 Exploring the synergic effects of a plant and a peptide on hair follicle pigmentation

Canities is an age-linked loss of bulb melanocyte and hair follicle (HF) pigmentation. Canities can significantly alter the physical appearance of a person and negatively impact their well-being, which drives the search and demand for new anti-greying agents. αMSH is pro-pigmentary hormone of the melanocortin family, which stimulates melanogenesis through its target receptor, MC1. GreyverseTM (Gv) is a biomimetic synthetic peptide derived to mimic αMSH and is an established promoter of HF melanogenesis with redox properties. Preliminary studies revealed that cotreatment of Gv and Paeonia Suffruticosa root bark extract (PS) synergically induces mitochondrial E3 ligase (MITOL) and melanogenesis in human melanocytes in vitro. Thus, this study investigated the additive effects of PS and Gv on hair pigmentation ex vivo. HFs were cultured in serum-free medium, supplemented with PS and/or Gv for 4 days, then assessed for protein expression and enzymatic changes associated to melanogenesis. Quantitative immune-histomorphometry revealed that PS and Gv cotreatment led to an additive increase in melanin content (p<0.05) that derived from a synergic increase in Gp100 expression (p<0.05), an increase in tyrosinase activity, and αMSH and TYRP expression within the hair follicle pigmentary unit. Taken together, PS and Gv showed synergic effects in promoting hair pigmentation, primarily through melanosome maturation. Thus, this combinational treatment deserves further pre-clinical and clinical exploration for the reversal of hair greying.

650 Controlling mTORC1 activity as a novel therapeutic strategy for managing human hair growth and pigmentation

The mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) exerts multiple physiological functions, including nutrient sensing and the control of metabolism, proliferation, senescence and Wnt signaling. Yet, the role of mTORC1 activity in human hair follicle (HF) biology remains unknown. Since patients with a loss-of-function mutation of the key endogenous inhibitor of mTORC1 activity, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), can show poliosis, we probed the hypothesis that mTORC1 regulates human HF pigmentation, using HF organ culture.

448 Physiological function of krox20 (Egr2) in epithelial stem cells

Krox20, a zinc finger-containing transcription factor, is well known for mediating stem and progenitor cell activation and differentiation in a variety of tissues. In a recent study, we reported for the first time a population of epithelial-derived Krox20-expressing keratinocytes in the hair follicle that ultimately terminally differentiate to form the structural component of the hair shaft. These Krox20-lineage cells in the hair follicle also mediate melanocyte differentiation via Stem Cell Factor production for hair pigmentation.

The effect of Medicago sativa extract and light on skin hypopigmentation disorders in C57/BL6 mice.

Vitiligo is a common depigmentation skin disease that affects the quality of life in many patients. This study aims to investigate the effect of Medicago sativa methanol extract on the treatment of skin hypopigmentation disorders. Antioxidant activity and phytochemical constituents of the extract were determined using DDPH assay, Folin-Ciocalteu, AlCl3, and HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Oil in water (o/w) creams were prepared to contain the methanolic extract, and applied to hydroquinone-induced depigmentation in vivo model and further challenged in combination with UVA light exposure. Skin and hair colors were visually scored and evaluated at different time intervals, and histopathological examinations of skin layers and hair follicles were performed. A total phenolic content of 187.70 mg/g, equivalent to gallic acid, and total flavonoid content of 21.97 mg/g, equivalent to quercetin, were recorded. Extract showed 71% antioxidant activity. Moreover, the HPLC-MS/MS detection revealed the presence of 18 compounds including P-coumaric acid and antioxidants flavonoids, of those are seven compounds not previously detected in this species. The in vivo study showed a remarkable skin and hair pigmentation effect on plant extract-treated groups, compared to the reference, placebo, and control groups. Histopathological examinations showed the growth of colored hair follicles in the dermis and epidermis layers of the extract-treated mice. The study suggests the use of M.sativa extract in enhancing the pigmentation process in hypopigmented skin and hair if combined with UVA light. Therefore, M.sativa extract can be considered a potential treatment for vitiligo.

Expanding the Spectrum of Oculocutaneous Albinism: Does Isolated Foveal Hypoplasia Really Exist?

Oculocutaneous albinism is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the presence of typical ocular features, such as foveal hypoplasia, iris translucency, hypopigmented fundus oculi and reduced pigmentation of skin and hair. Albino patients can show significant clinical variability; some individuals can present with only mild depigmentation and subtle ocular changes. Here, we provide a retrospective review of the standardized clinical charts of patients firstly addressed for evaluation of foveal hypoplasia and slightly subnormal visual acuity, whose diagnosis of albinism was achieved only after extensive phenotypic and genotypic characterization. Our report corroborates the pathogenicity of the two common TYR polymorphisms p.(Arg402Gln) and p.(Ser192Tyr) when both are located in trans with a pathogenic TYR variant and aims to expand the phenotypic spectrum of albinism in order to increase the detection rate of the albino phenotype. Our data also suggest that isolated foveal hypoplasia should be considered a clinical sign instead of a definitive diagnosis of an isolated clinical entity, and we recommend deep phenotypic and molecular characterization in such patients to achieve a proper diagnosis.

Кефалоскопическая характеристика амурских эвенков (по материалам работы антропологической экспедиции АМГУ-МГУ-ЦПИ в 2015-2016 гг.)

Introduction. The article for the first time presents the results of the analysis of the cephaloscopic features of the Amur Evenks examined during the Amur Anthropological expedition in 2015 and 2016. The aim of the study is to characterize the Amur Evenks according to the program of descriptive features of the face and head and to consider them on the scale of cephaloscopic variability of the continental branch of the Asian–American race. Material and methods. Amur Evenks (men and women, N=83) were studied according to the classical cephaloscopic program, which included 32 descriptive signs. Most of the signs were determined by anthropological photographs. The expedition recorded the pigmentation of the skin and eyes, the color and shape of the hair, the degree of development of epicanthus. Empirical methods were used (counting the frequencies of feature scores and calculating their averages) and statistical methods (betweengroup analysis and plotting multidimensional scaling using special programs STATISTICA 8.0 and PAST). Results. Amur Evenks are characterized by dark pigmented hair and eyes, a fairly light skin tone. The hair on the head is straight and stiff. Beard growth is weak, eyebrows – average. The face is strongly flattened, with a strong or medium protrusion of the cheekbones and a weakly developed chin. The eye slit is of small width with an oblique internal slope. Epicanthus is either absent or poorly developed, the fold of the upper eyelid is strongly developed. The nose profile is concave. The upper lip is medium-high, proheilic. Compared with other Tunguska groups, Amur Evenks are characterized by darker pigmentation of the eyes, lower frequency of occurrence of epicanthus, a more concave back of the nose, a proheilic upper lip, a relatively high nose bridge, a strong inclination of the forehead and a developed brow. The results of the intergroup multivariate analysis illustrated the greatest convergence of the Amur Evenks with the groups of Central Asia, and with the groups of Northeast Asia, namely with the Yukaghirs and Evens. Conclusion. According to the totality of the cephaloscopic features of the Amur Evenks, they can be attributed to representatives of the Baikal type of the North Asian race, but at the same time, signs of the Katanga anthropological variant can be traced in their morphological type. The probable reason for the rapprochement of the Amur Evenks with the Central Asian samples may be the territorial proximity of the populations of the Amur Evenks to Yakutia, which could cause possible metisation processes between Evenks and Yakuts – representatives of the Central Asian type.

Role of allergy in the development of alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease characterized by non-scarring hair loss with preservation of the hair follicle. Hair loss in alopecia areata can be either focal with the appearance of clearly defined foci of alopecia, or diffuse or complete hair loss in any area of the skin where hair follicles are present. Data on the role of food allergy in the development of alopecia areata and the nature of the sensitization spectrum are extremely scarce. Objective: to study the features of the spectrum of sensitization to food and pollen (cross-reacting) allergens in patients with alopecia areata.The study involved patients with alopecia areata (n = 17), who were divided into groups according to age: group 1 — children (n = 9) and group 2 — adults (n = 8). All patients underwent a specific allergological examination: collection of an allergic history, skin prick testing with food and pollen allergens (Allergopharma, Germany).Analysis of the spectrum of sensitization to food allergens in patients with alopecia areata revealed features depending on their age. Thus, in the group of sick children, the highest frequency of sensitization to whole chicken eggs, food cereals, yeast, soybeans and cow's milk proteins was noted. In the group of sick adults, the most significant food allergens were: egg protein, rye flour, oats. Among the pollen allergens in the first group of patients, the most common allergens were a mixture of weed and grass pollen, in the second group, a mixture of meadow grass pollen. All patients, taking into account allergological testing, were administered an individual elimination diet with the exclusion of causally significant allergens, taking into account crossreacting allergens. The elimination effect was assessed 2 months after the start of the elimination diet. 70% of patients showed a clinical improvement, i.e., the growth of vellus was noted (vellus depigmented hair) in the foci of alopecia, as well as terminal pigmented hair. Complete regression of alopecia foci occurred on average within 3-6 months from the start of therapy.The sensitization to food and pollen (cross-reacting) allergens in patients with alopecia areata and the positive effect of the elimination diet revealed in our study well supports the role of food allergy in the development of this disorder. Therefore, the study of the causal relationship between food allergy and alopecia areata is of particular relevance and creates prerequisites for the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Waardenburg syndrome type 4 coexisting with open-angle glaucoma: a case report

BackgroundWaardenburg syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder with varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss as well as abnormal pigmentation in hair, skin, and iris. There are four types of Waardenburg syndrome (1–4) with different characteristics. Mutations in six genes have been identified to be associated with the various types. Herein, we describe a case of Waardenburg syndrome type 4 combined with open-angle glaucoma.Case presentationA 43-year-old Han Chinese man had undergone trabeculectomy due to progression of visual field impairment and unstable intraocular pressure in both eyes. Slit-lamp examination revealed diffuse iris hypopigmentation in the left eye and hypopigmentation of part of the iris in the right eye. Fundus examination showed red, sunset-like fundus due to a lack of pigmentation in the retinal pigment epithelium layer, diffuse loss of the nerve fiber layer, and an excavated optic nerve head with advanced-stage glaucoma. Imaging was performed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography to detect the iris configuration. In the heterochromic iris portion, the normal part of the iris showed a clear hyperreflective signal of the anterior border layer, while atrophy of the pigmented anterior border layer showed a hyporeflective area of the anterior surface resulting in reduced light absorption. Two mutations of the endothelin receptor type B gene were recognized in this study. The first (c.1111G>A on exon 7) leads to an amino acid change from glycine to serine at codon 371. Sanger verification revealed that this mutation is inherited from the mother. The other mutation (c.553G>A) leads to an amino acid change from valine to methionine at codon 185. Sanger verification showed that this mutation was inherited from the father.ConclusionWaardenburg syndrome shows a remarkable diversity in clinical presentation and morphology. This disease can also present with open-angle glaucoma. Sequencing analysis revealed two heterozygous mutations in the EDNRB gene in this patient, inherited from his mother and father, respectively. These two sites constitute a compound heterozygous variation.

Sox2 in the dermal papilla regulates hair follicle pigmentation.

Within the hair follicle (HF) niche, dermal papilla (DP) cells are well known for the hair induction capacity; however, DP cell signaling also regulates HF pigmentation. Here we describe how Sox2 in the DP is a key regulator of melanocyte signaling. To study the largely unknown regulatory role the DP has on hair pigmentation, we characterize leptin receptor (Lepr) expression in the skin and as a genetic tool to target the DP. Sox2 ablation in the DP results in a phenotypic switch from eumelanin to pheomelanin. Mechanistically, we describe a temporal upregulation of Agouti and downregulation of Corin, directly by Sox2 in the DP. We also show that bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling regulation by Sox2 is responsible for downregulating MC1R, Dct, and Tyr in melanocytes of Sox2 cKO mice. Thus, we demonstrate that Sox2 in the DP regulates not only the choice of hair pigment but also the overall HF pigment production.

Chediak Higashi Syndrome with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Introduction Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is caused by dysfunction of lysosomal trafficking and presents with hypopigmentation, bleeding tendencies, neurological symptoms, and NK cell dysfunction. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) can complicate CHS due to the abnormal function of NK cells. Case presentation This 1.5-year-old light-skinned gray-haired girl microscopically had abnormal hair pigment clumps and lilac inclusions in the myeloid series, characteristic of CHS. She presented with HLH, requiring treatment with etoposide and dexamethasone followed by cyclosporine and dexamethasone. Conclusion CHS is one of the underlying primary causes of HLH.

Genetic diversity of the melanocortin-1 receptor in an admixed population of Rio de Janeiro: Structural and functional impacts of Cys35Tyr variant.

The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is one of the key proteins involved in the regulation of melanin production and several polymorphisms have been associated with different phenotypes of skin and hair color in human and nonhuman species. Most of the knowledge is centered on more homogeneous populations and studies involving an admixed group of people should be encouraged due to the great importance of understanding the human color variation. This work evaluates the MC1R diversity and the possible impacts of MC1R variants in an admixed sample population of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is a product of Native American, African, and European miscegenation. Sequencing of complete coding region and part of the 3´UTR of MC1R gene identified 31 variants including one insertion and three novel synonymous substitutions in sample population grouped according to skin, hair and eye pigmentation levels. In nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS), three main clusters were identified, in which the Brazilian dark skin group remained in the African cluster whereas the intermediate and the light skin color phenotype in the European one. None gathered with Asians since their immigration to Brazil was a recent event. In silico analyses demonstrated that Cys35Tyr, Ile155Thr and Pro256Ser, found in our population, have a negative effect on receptor function probably due to changes on the receptor structure. Notably, Cys35Tyr mutation could potentially impair agonist binding. Altogether, this work contributes to the understanding of the genetic background of color variation on an admixed population and gives insights into the damaging effects of MC1R variants.

Forensic genetics through the lens of Lewontin: population structure, ancestry and race.

In his famous 1972 paper, Richard Lewontin used ‘classical’ protein-based markers to show that greater than 85% of human genetic diversity was contained within, rather than between, populations. At that time, these same markers also formed the basis of forensic technology aiming to identify individuals. This review describes the evolution of forensic genetic methods into DNA profiling, and how the field has accounted for the apportionment of genetic diversity in considering the weight of forensic evidence. When investigative databases fail to provide a match to a crime-scene profile, specific markers can be used to seek intelligence about a suspect: these include inferences on population of origin (biogeographic ancestry) and externally visible characteristics, chiefly pigmentation of skin, hair and eyes. In this endeavour, ancestry and phenotypic variation are closely entangled. The markers used show patterns of inter- and intrapopulation diversity that are very atypical compared to the genome as a whole, and reinforce an apparent link between ancestry and racial divergence that is not systematically present otherwise. Despite the legacy of Lewontin's result, therefore, in a major area in which genetics coincides with issues of public interest, methods tend to exaggerate human differences and could thereby contribute to the reification of biological race.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Celebrating 50 years since Lewontin's apportionment of human diversity’.

A case report on premature canities associated with malabsorption syndrome treated with individualized homoeopathic remedy

Homeopathy is a ‘Pseudo-science’ or ‘Fake’ according to skeptical thinking of other schools of medicine. To prove them wrong, a proposal to provide evidence based medicine case reports are the best thing. Hair pigmentation is one of the most distinctive characteristics of individuals, ranging from black to brown to blonde to red. Hair, on the other hand, is an excellent cosmetic tool and method of nonverbal communication. Hair colour and style can drastically alter a person's physical appearance and, as a result, his or her body image. Because greying hair is seen as a sign of ageing, premature greying of hair (PGH) can have a negative impact on an individual's self-esteem if the main reason is malabsorption resulting in nutritional deficiencies. Hereby discussing a case of 19 yr male teenage who was brought by his mother with the C/o premature grey hair associated with loose stools after eating. Wherein the most difficult challenge to the physician is to execute the case with her own observations and mother’s history as most of the teenagers don’t open up fully during a case taking. Based on homoeopathic individualisation Calcarea carbonica remedy was selected and administered and within a few weeks remarkable changes in the pigment of the hair as well as improvement in the absorption & assimilation of intestines were seen.

Generation and characterization of hair-bearing skin organoids from human pluripotent stem cells.

Human skin uses millions of hairs and glands distributed across the body surface to function as an external barrier, thermoregulator and stimuli sensor. The large-scale generation of human skin with these appendages would be beneficial, but is challenging. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for generating hair-bearing skin tissue entirely from a homogeneous population of human pluripotent stem cells in a three-dimensional in vitro culture system. Defined culture conditions are used over a 2-week period to induce differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to surface ectoderm and cranial neural crest cells, which give rise to the epidermis and dermis, respectively, in each organoid unit. After 60 d of incubation, the skin organoids produce hair follicles. By day ~130, the skin organoids reach full complexity and contain stratified skin layers, pigmented hair follicles, sebaceous glands, Merkel cells and sensory neurons, recapitulating the cell composition and architecture of fetal skin tissue at week 18 of gestation. Skin organoids can be maintained in culture using this protocol for up to 150 d, enabling the organoids to be used to investigate basic skin biology, model disease and, further, reconstruct or regenerate skin tissue.

Polyoxometalates as Potential Next‐Generation Metallodrugs in the melanogenesis inhibitor

AbstractMelanogenesis is a process to synthesize melanin, which is a primary responsibility for the pigmentation of human skin, eye and hair. In order to study the effect of polyoxometalates on tyrosinase activity and melanin content in mouse melanocytes, four polyoxometalates with Dawson structure were synthesized. Intracellular and docking studies have shown that the two transition metal phosphomolybdic acids (H8[P2Mo17Fe(OH2)61] and H8[P2Mo17Ni(OH2)61]) are highly effective melanogenesis inhibitors with 22.4 % and 24.1 % inhibitory activities at a concentration of 200 μM. Among the four POMs synthesized, the three phosphomolybdic acids showed extremely significant inhibitory effects on the tyrosinase activity in B16 cells (p&lt;0.0001), and the inhibitory activities were 77.5 %, 79.3 % and 44.4 % at a concentration of 200 Μm, respectively. MTT reduction experiments show that the three polyacids (H6[P2Mo18O62], H8[P2Mo17Co(OH2)61] and H8[P2Mo17Ni(OH2)61]) have basically no effect on the viability of B16 cells. Molecular dynamics simulation studies also show that H8[P2Mo17Ni(OH2)61] forms a stable complex with tyrosinase, with a docking fraction of −51.54 kcal/mol. Based on intracellular and docking studies, we believe that H8[P2Mo17Ni(OH2)61] is a promising candidate for safe cosmetic development.

Fuzhuan Brick Tea Boosts Melanogenesis and Prevents Hair Graying through Reduction of Oxidative Stress via NRF2-HO-1 Signaling.

The anti-graying effect of the hexane fraction of Fuzhuan brick tea is investigated in Melan-A cells and C57BL/6 mice. As a result, it is found that reactive oxygen species-induced damage is associated with the reduction of melanogenesis in hair bulb melanocytes when reactive oxygen species generation in Melan-A cells occurred. The results revealed that the hexane fraction of Fuzhuan brick tea could remarkably reduce reactive oxygen species generation in Melan-A cells; meanwhile, it could increase the cellular tyrosinase and melanin content, as well as up-regulate the expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase related protein-1, tyrosinase related protein-2, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, and activate the MAP-kinase pathway through activating the phosphorylation of p38 c-Jun N terminal kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Furthermore, high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis reveals that the tea’s major ingredients in hexane fraction include gallic acid, theaflavin, theobromine, caffeine, epicatechin, and quercetin. Together, the current results suggest that Fuzhuan brick tea proves to protect from the damage of hydroquinone, which induces hair pigment loss.

Expression of Melanocortin-1 Receptor and Serum Melanin in Canities at Young Male students

BACKGROUND: Molecular genetics suggest that hair pigmentation is related to the melanocortin-1 receptor gene. It is a G protein-coupled receptor, which is activated by a number of peptides to stimulate melanogenesis. Melanocortin-1 receptor gene mutation tends to produce functional variability in premature hair graying (PHG) or canities. AIM: Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine melanocortin-1 receptor expression and asses serum melanin in college students canities at Universitas Sumatera Utara. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional design. We recruited 80 subjects equally divided into normal (control) and premature hair graying groups. The sample included males, aged 25 years who had gray hair and had no history of pigmentary disorders of the skin. Expression of melanocortin-1 receptor was detected with conventional PCR and serum melanin was measured with Elisa using Elisa kit melanin for human. RESULTS: The results showed that the Mean ± SD graying age was 20.28 ± 1.99 years with an age range of 19–24 years and the average age in the control group was 21.25 ± 2.02 years with an age range of 18–24 years. Melanocortin-1 receptor gene expression was shown in the control and PHG groups. Serum melanin levels were decreased significantly (p = 0.0001) in the gray-haired group was 9.27 ± 1.62 μg/dl and the control group was 10.72 ± 1.78 μg/dl. CONCLUSION: Melanocortin-1 receptor gene plays a role in hair graying at young age and there serum melanin levels were low significantly.