Serum interleukin 17 and interleukin 18 levels in familial Mediterranean fever
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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
S Haznedaroglu1, M A Oztürk, B Sancak
1Department of Rheumatology, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Objective:
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) attacks are characterized by serosal inflammation rich in PMNL leukocytes and activation of a definite cytokine network. Moreover, there is sustained inflammation in attack-free FMF patients. Interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-18 are recently described proinflammatory cytokines, which can modulate certain neutrophil functions. In this study we measured serum levels of IL-17 and IL-18 in FMF patients.
Methods:
The study groups comprised of 18 FMF patients in attack-free period (mean age: 30.2 +/- 9.5 years; male/female: 10/8), and 18 patients with an acute FMF attack (mean age: 25.4 +/- 4.9 years; male/female: 10/8). Twenty age-matched healthy subjects were included as a control group (male/female: 10/10). Levels of IL-17 and IL-18 were determined by commercial ELISA kits (Biosource International, USA).
Results:
Serum IL-17 levels were 42.8 +/- 3.7, 42.7 +/- 3.2, and 39.9 +/- 2.3 pg/mL for FMF patients in attack-free period, FMF patients with acute attack, and healthy controls, respectively. Serum IL-18 levels were 878.8 +/- 315.0, 854.2 +/- 261.4, and 314.6 +/- 80.8 pg/mL for FMF patients in an attack-free period, FMF patients with acute attack, and healthy controls, respectively. Levels of both IL-17 and IL-18 were significantly higher in FMF patients with and without acute attack compared to control group (p < 0.05). Concentrations of those cytokines were comparable in FMF patients with acute attack and in attack-free period (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Our data suggest that IL-17 and IL-18 contribute to the cytokine network in the inflammatory cascade of FMF. However, their roles for the initiation of FMF attacks remain to be established.
Insights
Serum levels of Interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-18 are elevated in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients, regardless of attack status. These cytokines are implicated in FMF
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent inflammatory attacks.
- Inflammation in FMF involves neutrophils and a specific cytokine network, with sustained inflammation observed even between attacks.
- Interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-18 are newly identified pro-inflammatory cytokines that influence neutrophil activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure and compare serum levels of IL-17 and IL-18 in FMF patients during attack-free periods and acute attacks.
- To assess the role of IL-17 and IL-18 in the inflammatory processes of FMF.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 18 FMF patients in an attack-free state and 18 FMF patients experiencing an acute attack.
- A control group of 20 age-matched healthy individuals was included.
- Commercial ELISA kits were used to quantify serum IL-17 and IL-18 levels.
Main Results:
- Serum IL-17 and IL-18 levels were significantly higher in both attack-free and acutely attacking FMF patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05).
- No significant difference in IL-17 and IL-18 levels was observed between FMF patients in the attack-free period and those experiencing an acute attack (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- IL-17 and IL-18 appear to be part of the inflammatory cascade in FMF.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific role of IL-17 and IL-18 in triggering FMF attacks.
