Serum Granulysin as a Possible Key Marker of Vitiligo Activity and Severity.

Background: Vitiligo is an immune-mediated, chronic skin condition that affects both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Antimicrobial peptide overexpression is one of its defining characteristics. Granulysin (GNLY), an antimicrobial peptide, may play a role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases.

Objectives: To estimate the serum GNLY levels in vitiligo patients and to correlate those levels with the severity and activity of the disease.

Materials and methods: This case-control study included 60 non-segmental vitiligo patients (Group A) and a control group of 60 people who were matched for age and sex, appeared to be in good health, and were not suffering from vitiligo (Group B). The serum granulysin levels of all subjects were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: When compared to the control group, vitiligo patients had significantly higher serum GNLY levels (P = 0.001). When compared to patients with stable disease, those with active vitiligo had significantly higher serum GNLY levels (P = 0.008). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between the serum GNLY levels and the vitiligo area severity index and vitiligo disease activity scores (P = 0.004 and <0.001, respectively).

Limitations: Study population was relatively small. Evaluation of serum granulysin before and after treatment could have been more beneficial.

Conclusions: Blood granulysin levels could contribute to the pathogenesis of vitiligo. A higher serum granulysin level may also be a trustworthy predictor of the severity and progression of a disease.