New research suggests that gray hair could be a natural defense against cancer. The study focused on how hair follicle stem cells respond to DNA damage, finding two possible outcomes: the cells either die off or continue to grow and potentially develop into cancerous tumors.
In general, people start graying in their mid-to-late 30s, but only a small percentage of individuals between 45 and 65 experience significant hair loss. Scientists have long wondered how damaged stem cells affect tissue health over time.
The study found that when pigment-producing stem cells are damaged, they undergo a process called senescence-coupled differentiation, or “seno-differentiation.” This mechanism forces the cells to die off, leading to hair graying. However, in some cases, damaged stem cells can bypass this response and continue to grow, potentially leading to cancer.
The researchers believe that gray hair may serve as a natural protective mechanism, eliminating potentially dangerous cells. However, the study does not claim that graying hair directly prevents cancer. Instead, it highlights the complex relationships between DNA damage, stem cell stress responses, and cancer development.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/hair-going-gray-hidden-health-benefit-senescence-cancer-tumor-10912239