Autophagy and Premature Graying of Hair: The Role of LC3 as a Biomarker in a Case-Control Study.

Introduction: Premature graying of hair (PGH) is a common disorder with a multifactorial etiology. Autophagy, which is self-cellular digestion, has been linked to melanin pigment formation; however, the role of autophagy in PGH has not been investigated well.

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between PGH and autophagy by measuring gene expression and serum microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) concentration.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 39 PGH patients and 21 controls. Patients clinically diagnosed with PGH and aged <30 years were included in the study. Blood samples were taken to detect LC3B protein by ELISA in the serum of both groups. White hairs from both groups were collected to detect LC3B gene expression by PCR.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups as regards expression levels of the LC3 gene by PCR (P<0.001), with the mean in the control group (0.71± 0.3) lower than in the PGH group (5.1 ± 1.4). Also, there was a positive significant correlation between LC3 concentration and LC3 gene expression in control (r=0.867, P< 0.001) and in PGH patients (r=0.954, P≤0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis for PGH predictors using age, sex (female), hemoglobin level, LC3 concentration, and LC3 gene expression revealed that the only predictor of PGH was LC3 gene expression.

Conclusions: Premature graying of hair may have a link with autophagy. LC3 gene expression was increased in PGH patients as compared to the control. LC3 gene expression may be an independent predictor of PGH development. Autophagy modulation may be a therapeutic target for PGH.