Increased serum hyaluronic acid in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Relationto its skin content

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities of hyaluronic acid (HA) of skin have been reporte d in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, little is known concerning the changes of serum HA in ALS. The purpose of this study was to investigate skin HA content and serum HA levels in AW patients. METHODS: We measured skin HA content and serum HA levels in patients with A LS, and compared the results with those of control subjects. RESULTS: Skin HA content in ALS patients was significantly higher than in d iseased control subjects and control subjects without neurological disorder s, and increased significantly, the longer the duration of illness. Serum H A concentrations in patients with ALS were significantly higher than in dis eased control subjects and in healthy control subjects, and were positively and significantly associated with duration of illness. There was an apprec iable positive correlation between serum HA concentrations and skin HA cont ent in ALS patients. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that a metabolic alteration of HA may take p lace in ALS and increased levels of serum HA may reflect an increased conte nt of skin HA in ALS.