Vitamins, cytokines and the role of genetic factors in the prevention of baldness

The fact that genetically determined hormone production can affect the density of hair and premature baldness is known to many. But about the role of genetic factors in the assimilation of certain vitamins, in controlling the activity of anti-inflammatory elements and other important substances that affect the condition of the hair, geneticists have started talking recently. To date, genetic tests have been developed to determine the markers of the activity of cytokines and some growth factors, assimilation of vitamins. Why is it important to prevent baldness, considered our portal.

Testing opportunities and the role of genetic factors in the prevention of baldness

The causes of intense hair loss and the development of baldness in androgenetic alopecia may be due not only to the damaging effect on the hair follicles of the active form of testosterone, but also to other disorders in which the role of genetic factors is confirmed. We are talking about excessive or, conversely, insufficient activity of certain elements associated with the absorption of vitamins, the prevention of free radical activity, and the control of inflammatory skin reactions. Through special testing, some genetic markers can be identified that will indicate the listed disorders.

Genetic markers indicating increased risk of hair loss

Nature of violations	Genetic factor	Marker
Activation of free radicals	Glutathione peroxidase 1 Superoxide dismutase 2	GPX1 SOD2
Increased cytokine activity	Tumor necrosis factor	TNF
Assimilation of vitamins	Vitamin D Folic acid Cyanocobalamin	VDR MTHFR FUT2

Timely correction of insufficient or excessive activity of vitamins, growth factors, cytokines and other substances indicated by genetic markers during testing makes it possible to significantly increase the therapeutic effect in the treatment of alopecia.

Read also: Hair loss and human genetic factors: is it possible to test the risks

The role of genetic factors in the development of oxidative stress and hair loss

Oxidative stress – this is a condition in which a large number of oxygen radicals occur, damaging vital cellular structures (DNA, proteins, lipids). Under the influence of various factors (for example, inflammation, sunburn, systematic UV exposure, dyeing with peroxide-containing dyes, perm and hair straightening), the amount of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) increases significantly.

Genetic testing can show mutations in genes encoding oxidative stress defense enzymes, whose specialized function is to inactivate radicals to inert, non-hazardous products

The presence of polymorphisms in the genes encoding the work of enzymes protecting against oxidative stress can lead to thinning of the hair shafts, slower growth and increased hair loss.

The TNF gene (tumor necrosis factor) plays an important role in the state of hair. It is responsible for the activation of skin micro-inflammations.

To perform a barrier function in the skin, there are structures that are cellular elements of the epidermis (keratinocytes and Langerhans cells) and the dermis (mast and dendritic cells, macrophages). These cells secrete antimicrobial cells – chemoattractants and cytokines that make up the early warning system.

If the integrity of the scalp is violated, the macrophage immediately contacts the foreign agent, in response to unauthorized penetration, the macrophage begins to defend itself and produces cytokines that regulate intercellular and intersystem interactions. The main ones with local and systemic effects:

• interleukin-1,
• interleukin-6,
• interleukin-8,
• interleukin-12,
• Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

A mutation in the genes encoding the tumor necrosis factor alpha protein results in increased expression of the tumor necrosis factor alpha gene. This leads to the activation of inflammatory reactions, which can provoke thinning, hair loss and disruption of the hair follicle growth cycle.

Metabolism of vitamins and the role of genetic factors in their assimilation

Most vitamins are not synthesized in the human body, so they must be regularly and in sufficient quantities supplied to the body with food or in the form of vitamin-mineral complexes and nutritional supplements. Vitamins are very useful for our body, because they are indispensable helpers of enzymes, and can also act as exogenous prohormones and hormones.

In the presence of certain polymorphisms, the metabolism of vitamins important for hair health can be disturbed. Clinically, this is manifested by hair loss, slowing down their growth, breaking off the ends and other defects

Our hair and scalp are constantly being renewed, as a result of which the cells constantly need building material in sufficient quantities.

• Folic acid. The MTHFR gene encodes the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, which is involved in the reduction of a folic acid derivative to an active metabolite. A mutation in the gene leads to a decrease in the activity of the enzyme, and as a result, the metabolism of certain amino acids and purine bases is disturbed. In the presence of mutations in the MTHFR gene, the activity of the enzyme decreases, the conversion of folic acid into an active metabolite occurs slowly, the synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins slows down, which leads to a stop or slowdown in hair cell division.
• Vitamin B12. In our body, vitamin B12 is involved in many key processes: the synthesis of amino acids, DNA, RNA, in the processing of fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin B12 is involved in cell division. Since skin and hair cells are constantly dividing, they are in dire need of this vitamin. With a lack of B12, there is a slowdown in the hair growth cycle, thinning of the hair shaft, premature hair loss.
• Vitamin D. The substance provides mature hair follicles with fatty acids, which play an important role in the process of hair growth and strengthening. These fatty acids regulate the production of natural sebum in the scalp, providing nourishment to the hair follicles. The supply of follicles with calcium depends on it.

The ability to diagnose and correct vitamin metabolism disorders as early as possible can significantly reduce hair loss, and in some cases even prevent the development of baldness.