Association of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Gene -173 G/C Polymorphism (rs755622) with Familial Mediterranean Fever in Children.

The aim of this study was to identify the genotypic analysis and allele frequencies of the -173 G/C polymorphism in the macrophage migration inhibitory factor ( ) gene in children diagnosed with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).  The study included 98 children who were diagnosed with FMF according to the Tel Hashomer criteria and one hundred and 57 healthy children as the control group. Genotyping was done for a polymorphism in a promoter region of the gene (G/C at position -173).  The relationship of FMF prevalence and -173 G/C genotype of the gene was statistically significant. Individuals with the CC genotype seem to be predisposed to FMF.  The C/C polymorphism at position -173 of the gene could be associated with excessive inflammation and immune response and can lead to susceptibility to FMF.