AIR pollution may be causing baldness, scientists have shown for the first time. A series of laboratory tests on human cells showed levels of the crucial proteins needed for hair to grow and be retained decreased the more they were exposed to pollution particles. While there is a growing body of evidence showing how these tiny particles can damage internal health, including by entering the bloodstream through the lungs, this is the first to demonstrate such a risk to the surface of the body. The researchers behind it said exercising indoors rather than in polluted cities could be a way of reducing hair loss. The study was conducted by exposing cells from the human dermal papilla cells, to various concentrations of PM10-like dust and diesel particulate. After 24 hours the researchers performed a process, known as western blotting, to detect the levels of specific proteins in the cells. The results showed that the presence of PM10 and diesel particulate decreased levels of β-catenin, the protein responsible for hair growth. The study also revealed that the levels of three other proteins — cyclin D1, cyclin E and CDK2 — which are responsible for hair growth and retention, were decreased by PM10-like dust and diesel particulate in a “dose-dependent” manner. Dr. Kwon Hyuk-chul, who led the study in South Korea, said: “Our research explains the mode of action of air pollutants on human follicle dermal papilla cells, showing how the most common air pollutants lead to hair loss. “While it is difficult to escape ambient pollution, limiting time walking on busy streets, especially during rush hour, should help to reduce exposure.” (SD-Agencies) f you are exercising outdoors, try to do so in areas that are less polluted and do not spend too much time waiting at traffic hotspots such as traffic lights.” |