Serum Granulysin as a Possible Key Marker of the Activity of Alopecia Areata

September 2013 in “ Journal of Dermatological Science ”

Sachiko Ono, Atsushi Otsuka, Yosuke Yamamoto, Tatsuki R. Kataoka, Itsuko Koyanagi, Kenji Kabashima, Kenji Kabashima

serum granulysin alopecia areata acute alopecia areata chronic alopecia areata CD8+ T cells perifollicular lesions allergic disorders AA

Studysummary In this study, researchers found that serum granulysin levels might serve as a novel marker for disease activity in acute alopecia areata, being significantly associated with broader bald skin areas, poorer prognosis, and co-existing allergic disorders. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

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.

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