Related Experiment Videos
Increased levels of circulating Annexin A5 in Familial Mediterranean fever
Anna S Boyajyan1, Gohar M Mkrtchyan, Lilit P Hovhannisyan
1Institute of Molecular Biology, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia 7, Hasratyan St,, Yerevan 0014, Armenia. aboyajyan@sci.am.
Background:
Familial Mediterranean fever is a genetic autoinflammatory disease most commonly affecting the ethnic groups originating from around the Mediterranean Sea. Apoptosis plays an important role in down-regulation of the inflammatory response by reducing the lifespan of activated immunocompetent cells. Thus, increased apoptosis may be associated with pathogenesis of familial Mediterranean fever.
Methods:
In the present study we determined the serum levels of apoptotic marker, Annexin A5, in familial Mediterranean fever patients, within an attack and attack-free, in comparison to healthy subjects and assessed the influence of colchicine treatment on this parameter. In addition, in all study subjects serum levels of C-reactive protein and interleukine-1β, and the total leukocyte count were also determined.
Results:
Our results demonstrated that pathogenesis of familial Mediterranean fever is characterized by the increased levels of circulating Annexin A5, which is higher in patients within the attack and which associate with the increased levels of C-reactive protein and interleukine-1β and total leukocyte count.
Conclusions:
The results obtained indicate elevated rates of apoptosis of subpopulations of leukocytes involved in autoinflammation and recurrent episodes of fever in familial Mediterranean fever. It was also revealed that regular colchicine treatment sufficiently decreases the rate of apoptosis in familial Mediterranean fever patients by affecting the intensity of autoinflammatory reactions.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean fever patients show increased apoptosis, indicated by higher Annexin A5 levels, especially during attacks. Colchicine treatment effectively reduces this apoptosis and autoinflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder prevalent in Mediterranean populations.
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is crucial for regulating inflammation by limiting immune cell survival.
- Dysregulated apoptosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of FMF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum Annexin A5 levels as an apoptotic marker in FMF patients.
- To compare Annexin A5 levels during FMF attacks and in remission versus healthy controls.
- To evaluate the impact of colchicine treatment on apoptosis in FMF.
Main Methods:
- Serum Annexin A5 levels were measured in FMF patients (during attacks and attack-free periods) and healthy controls.
- Serum C-reactive protein, interleukin-1β, and total leukocyte counts were also assessed.
- The effect of colchicine treatment on Annexin A5 levels was examined.
Main Results:
- FMF patients exhibited elevated circulating Annexin A5 levels compared to controls.
- Annexin A5 levels were significantly higher during FMF attacks.
- Increased Annexin A5 correlated with elevated C-reactive protein, interleukin-1β, and leukocyte counts.
Conclusions:
- FMF is associated with increased apoptosis in leukocyte subpopulations driving autoinflammation and fever.
- Regular colchicine treatment effectively reduces apoptosis rates in FMF patients.
- Colchicine's mechanism may involve modulating the intensity of autoinflammatory responses.