Effects of colchicine on inflammatory cytokines and selectins in familial Mediterranean fever.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether basal levels of circulating cytokines and selectins exhibit a distinct profile in attack-free, non-colchicine taking familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients compared to normal healthy controls, and to determine the effect of colchicine treatment on these parameters.

METHODS

Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and soluble P-, E-, and L-selectin in attack-free, asymptomatic, non-colchicine using FMF patients (n = 11) and in normal controls (n = 10) were studied. Following 2 months of colchicine treatment the same parameters were evaluated again in the FMF patients.

RESULTS

Before colchicine treatment the serum levels of all parameters except soluble P-selectin were significantly higher in FMF patients than in controls. After two months of treatment statistically significant decreases were observed in these parameters (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A distinct profile of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and soluble E- and L-selectin levels was observed in FMF patients, which could reflect the presence of sustained inflammation in attack-free FMF patients. The effect of colchicine on these parameters suggests its therapeutic potential.