Serum Granulysin as a Possible Key Marker of the Activity 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.