Hair elemental status as a diagnostic parameter: achievements, challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Aim. To analyze modern scientific approaches to using the achievements of bioelementology in the diagnosis and treatment of various forms of alopecia. Identifying unresolved issues in this area of research. Materials and Methods. Literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, TOXNET databases, specialized journals and thesis papers depositories in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. The references cited in the identified papers were used as well. The publications period used in the search was 2007-2020. Results and Discussion. The content analysis of scientific literature sources, which highlight the results of studies of homeostasis of trace elements and major elements in the human body, proves the validity of using the data obtained for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of alopecia. Introduction of modern analytical methods made it possible to expand both qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the content of elements in hair, and then to substantiate the use of the elemental composition of hair as a medical diagnostic criterion. In addition, the analysis of hair for the content of trace elements and major elements is considered a potentially safe, non-invasive diagnostic tool; the samples do not require special equipment for storage and have no shelf life restrictions. At the present stage, an active search for the relationship between the elemental status of hair and alopecia of various origins is being carried out. It was established that all forms of alopecia are characterized by a disturbance of the homeostasis of iron, zinc, copper, and selenium. In addition, the researchers emphasize the importance of excess hair lead and cadmium in alopecia areata, of silicon in diffuse alopecia and androgenetic alopecia, and reduced levels of manganese in all forms of alopecia. The scientific community discusses the implementation of modern analytical methods to determine the elemental composition of biological fluids. The most promising are the methods of determining elements in the organs and human biological fluids using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission and mass spectrometry. Trace elements and major elements play an important, but not entirely clear role in hair follicles normal development and immune cells function. These studies were mainly concerned with exploring of the cyclic accumulation of mast cells and macrophages in the perifollicular connective tissue. Accordingly, the dyscrasia can represent a modified risk factor, the assessment of which requires further in-depth studies. Conclusions. The content analysis of the published results of the studies of trace and major elements composition of hair showed that with alopecia areata there is a decrease in the content of S, Zn, Se, Mn, Mn, and Fe, and an excess of Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Al, Hg; diffuse forms of alopecia are characterized by a deficiency in the content of S, Fe, K, Ca, Zn, Cu, and Se; with androgenetic alopecia in women, there is a decrease in the content of Mn, Zn, Se, Mg, Fe, in men - a decrease in the levels of Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg, and Se; and an increase in the content of Cu and Cr. In order to correct alopecia of various origins, it is necessary to determine the quantitative ratio of trace elements and major elements in the hair and to systematize the results obtained in monitoring studies to establish their reference values in conditions of various geochemical locations.

Keywords

• hair, alopecia, elemental homeostasis, microelementosis