Abstract

Background: Hair graying, a noticeable indicator of aging, affects 50% of people by age 50. For Caucasians, Asians, and Africans, premature greying happens before the ages of twenty. An important antioxidant enzyme that inhibits superoxide anions and stops oxidative damage is superoxide dismutase (SOD). It has anti-inflammatory properties and can prevent cell alterations. As we age, SOD levels decrease, but free radical production increases. Consuming SOD regularly can maintain a healthy immune system and prevent aging.

Aim of the work: To estimate (SOD) in premature hair graying and to evaluate its role in the progress of graying hair as a predictive biomarker.

Patient and method: A case-control study design conducted on any young age case in average 25 years old with premature hair graying in the scalp, beard, eyebrow, or eyelashes. A control group of 45 people without premature greying and premature hair greying was clinically diagnosed in 45 cases based on the clinical examination of the lesion were included. Serum SOD levels and other clinical and laboratory tests were performed on all chosen individuals.

Results: Compared to the control, cases group SOD was considerably lower (P <0.001). A significant relationship between patients group SOD and severity. In cases group P=0.011, there was a negative link between SOD and age. There is negative correlation between SOD and duration in cases group (P=0.015).

Conclusion: One frequent and efficient cause of premature hair greying that lowers SOD levels is oxidative stress.