Serum levels of chromogranins and secretogranins correlate with the progress and severity of Parkinson's disease

Little is known about the relevance of chromogranins (Cgs) and secretogranins (Sgs) in Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we determined serum levels of CgA, CgB, arid Sgll in PD patients and assessed their association with disease severity. PD patients were recruited, identified, and classified as having early (n = 14), intermediate (n = 18), or late (n = 4) stage disease according to Hoehn-Yahr scores. The serum concentrations of CgA, CgB, and Sgll in patients with well-defined PD (n = 36) and in healthy controls (n = 52) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Compared with controls, serum CgA levels were significantly elevated and serum Sgll levels were significantly reduced in PD patients (both P < 0.05). There was no difference in serum CgB levels between the two groups. Both serum CgA and Sgll levels changed progressively over time from early to intermediate to late stage (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that serum CgA and Sgll levels correlated with Hoehn-Yahr and UPDRS scores (P < 0.001). These results indicate that changes in serum levels of CgA and Sgll may be closely related to the severity of PD.