Evaluation of circulating endothelial biomarkers in familial Mediterranean fever.

The aim of this was to evaluate some of the vascular biomarkers and cytokines related with atherosclerosis in regularly treated and attack-free familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients. Forty (21 males [M] and 19 females [F], 31 [15-58] years) FMF patients and eighteen healthy controls (11 M and 7 F, 35.5 [19-46] years) with no known cardiovascular (CV) risk factors were included. All patients were receiving regular colchicine treatment, and examinations were performed during attack-free periods. Serum samples were used for the determination of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tissue factor (TF), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), osteoprotegerin (OPG), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17, and IL-23. Plasma samples were used for the determination of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and thrombomodulin (TM). Age, sex distribution, waist circumference, body mass index, smoking status, and serum lipids were similar between the patients and controls (P > 0.05). The concentrations of (hs-CRP) and IL-17 were significantly higher in FMF patients compared with controls (P < 0.05). On the other hand, IL-6 and IL-23 levels were not different between the groups (P > 0.05). ADMA, OPG, and TM concentrations were significantly lower in the patients' group compared to those of controls (P < 0.05). However, vWF, TF, and t-PA levels were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). FMF patients receiving regular colchicine therapy during inactive disease state had significantly lower levels of vascular injury parameters.