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Tumor markers in familial Mediterranean fever and their correlation with the frequency of attacks
Y H Balaban1, H Simsek, R Yilmaz
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. ybalaban@superonline.com
Objective:
Serum levels of tumor markers can be elevated in several benign diseases affecting the serosal surfaces. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic disease characterized by acute attacks of fever and inflammation of the serosal membranes. The aim of this study was to examine the levels of tumor markers in FMF patients and their correlation with the frequency of attacks.
Methods:
Serum levels of CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, CA 72-4, CEA, and AFP were measured by ELISA in 36 patients with a definitive diagnosis of FMF (21 males, 15 females, mean age 36.4+/-10.3 yrs) and in 19 healthy controls.
Results:
Serum levels of all tumor markers were normal in the controls. In FMF patients serum levels of CA 125, CA 19.9, CA 15.3, CEA and AFP were within normal ranges, whereas CA 72.4 was significantly higher than in the controls (p=0.001). Half of the FMF patients showed increased levels of CA 72.4; the mean level was lower in those in complete remission. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between FMF attacks and acute phase reactant levels.
Conclusion:
With the exception of Ca 72.4, serum levels of tumor markers are not affected by changes in inflammatory cytokines levels during FMF attacks.
Insights
Serum tumor marker levels in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients were studied. While most markers remained normal, CA 72.4 was elevated, though not correlated with FMF attacks or inflammatory markers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Elevated serum tumor markers can occur in benign conditions.
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) involves serosal inflammation during attacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate tumor marker levels in FMF patients.
- To assess the correlation between tumor markers and FMF attack frequency.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, CA 72-4, CEA, and AFP were measured using ELISA.
- 36 FMF patients and 19 healthy controls were included.
Main Results:
- CA 72.4 levels were significantly higher in FMF patients compared to controls (p=0.001).
- Half of FMF patients had elevated CA 72.4; levels were lower in remission.
- No significant correlation was found between FMF attacks and acute phase reactants.
Conclusions:
- Serum tumor marker levels, except CA 72.4, are not significantly altered by FMF inflammatory cytokines.
- CA 72.4 elevation in FMF warrants further investigation but is not directly linked to acute attacks.
