Granzymes A and B levels in serum of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

ObjectivesThere are evidences that immuno-inflammatory mechanisms and apoptosis may play a role in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is known that Granzyme A (GzmA) and granzyme B (GzmB) are implicated in these mechanisms. The aim of the study was to investigate serum GzmA and GzmB levels in patients with ALS.Design and methodsThe study included 30 patients with ALS and 30 patients from the control group. Serum GzmA and GzmB levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent method.ResultsThe study showed that GzmA and GzmB levels are significantly increased in serum of patients with ALS when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation of serum GzmB levels with severity of clinical state of ALS patients (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results indicate that GzmA and GzmB are implicated in mechanisms of neurodegeneration in ALS.