•  
  •  
 

Subject Area

Pediatrics

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective To study whether granulysin (GNLY) level, which is known to reflect the activity of cytotoxic immune response, is related to the disease activity of alopecia areata (AA). Background AA is a common type of hair loss or alopecia in humans. GNLY is an important mediator of damage in a variety of skin diseases. Patients and methods A case–control study was carried out on 72 individuals. A total of 36 patients experiencing AA circumscripta, selected from the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic, Menoufia University Hospital, and 36 healthy individuals as a control group were recruited during the period from October 2017 to March 2018. Detailed history, laboratory investigations, and dermatological examination were done. Results There was a statistically highly significant difference (P < 0.001) between both groups regarding serum GNLY level. Moreover, most patients (30 case, 83.3%) were complaining of alopecia without association with any other allergic diseases. Serum GNLY level (ng/ml) was highly significantly positively correlated (P < 0.001) with recurrence of AA and course of AA. Moreover, it showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) with the extent of alopecia in the body and the association with other allergic diseases. Conclusion Serum GNLY level was significantly positively correlated with recurrence, course, extent of alopecia, and association with other allergic diseases. Serum GNLY levels in the acute phase can be a useful and novel marker for the disease activity and prognosis of AA.

Download

Share

COinS