TLDR Serum granulysin levels can indicate the activity and prognosis of alopecia areata.
The study found that serum granulysin levels were significantly elevated in both acute and chronic alopecia areata (AA) patients compared to healthy controls, with higher levels correlating with more extensive bald skin areas and poorer prognosis in acute AA. Elevated granulysin levels were also associated with the presence of allergic disorders. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed granulysin-bearing cells, primarily CD8+ T cells, in perifollicular lesions of AA patients. These findings suggested that serum granulysin could serve as a novel marker for disease activity and prognosis in acute AA.
286 citations,
June 2012 in “Nature Immunology” Hair follicles help attract immune cells to the skin during stress.
421 citations,
April 2012 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss with no cure and treatments that often don't work well.
43 citations,
May 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Recognizing the different stages of alopecia areata is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
391 citations,
February 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Half of people with Alopecia Areata may see hair regrowth within a year without treatment, but recovery is unpredictable.
185 citations,
January 2006 in “Autoimmunity Reviews” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss due to the immune system attacking hair follicles, often influenced by genetics and stress.
127 citations,
January 2000 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Cytotoxic T cells cause hair loss in chronic alopecia areata.
April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology” A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.
