Chemoprevention of smoke-induced alopecia in mice by oral administration of L-cystine and vitamin B6.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We previously demonstrated that high doses of environmental cigarette smoke (ECS) induce alopecia in mice. This effect was prevented by the oral administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an analogue and precursor of L-cysteine and reduced glutathione.

OBJECTIVES:

The present study aimed at assessing whether L-cystine, the oxidized form of L-cysteine, which is a key hair component, may behave like NAC in inhibiting ECS-induced alopecia and modulating the mechanisms responsible for this condition.

METHODS:

C57BL/6 mice were exposed whole-body to ECS in a smoking machine. Groups of mice received in the diet, at three dose levels, a mixture of L-cystine with vitamin B6, which plays a role in L-cystine incorporation in hair cells. Occurrence of alopecia areas and apoptosis of hair bulb cells were evaluated for up to 6 months of exposure, and the time course induction of micronucleated erythrocytes in peripheral blood was investigated.

RESULTS:

The frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes was increased by ECS, irrespective of treatment with L-cystine/vitamin B6. ECS-induced alopecia and apoptosis of hair bulb cells in all exposed mice. L-Cystine/vitamin B6 inhibited alopecia in a dose-dependent fashion.

CONCLUSIONS:

High-dose ECS induces apoptosis-related alopecia in mice, and oral administration of L-cystine/vitamin B6 is an effective preventive treatment.

• Authors: Francesco D'Agostini, Paolo Fiallo, Tanya M Pennisi, Silvio De Flora
• Journal: Journal of dermatological science (J Dermatol Sci) Vol. 46 Issue 3 Pg. 189-98 (Jun 2007) ISSN: 0923-1811 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 17374475 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Tobacco Smoke Pollution
• Cystine
• Vitamin B 6
• Acetylcysteine

Topics

• Acetylcysteine (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Administration, Oral
• Alopecia (etiology, pathology, prevention & control)
• Animals
• Apoptosis
• Body Weight
• Chemoprevention (methods)
• Cystine (administration & dosage, metabolism, pharmacology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Hair Follicle (metabolism, pathology)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred C57BL
• Tobacco Smoke Pollution (adverse effects)
• Vitamin B 6 (administration & dosage, pharmacology)