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Decreased vitamin D levels in patients with familial mediterranean fever
Bunyamin Kisacik1, Suheyla Uzun Kaya, Yavuz Pehlivan
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, 27100 Şahinbey, Gaziantep, Turkey. Bunyamin_k@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Familial mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the FMF gene (MEFV). The gene causing FMF, designated MEFV, encodes a protein called pyrin or marenostrin that is expressed mainly in myeloid bone marrow precursors, neutrophils, and monocytes. Since there are several etiological factors, FMF is the most common periodic fever syndrome. However, it is still unknown what triggers or ends these periodical attacks. As a pleiotropic hormone, vitamin D has immunomodulation effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitamin D levels in FMF patients. The study group was comprised of 26 patients diagnosed with FMF (men/women: 12/14), and 34 healthy control (men/women: 17/17). Vitamin D levels in FMF patients and healthy controls were 11.05 ± 7.11, 17.15 ± 6.49, respectively. FMF patients had significantly decreased vitamin D levels compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001). In conclusion, it is thought that vitamin D deficiency in FMF patients may trigger the attacks. Further studies with larger patient populations need to hold to investigate the vitamin D deficiency in patients with FMF and that may assist to clarify the mechanism behind the colchicines resistant cases.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients exhibit significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to healthy individuals. This deficiency may potentially trigger FMF attacks, suggesting a link between vitamin D and disease activity.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disorder caused by MEFV gene mutations.
- FMF is the most prevalent periodic fever syndrome, characterized by recurrent inflammatory attacks of unknown triggers.
- Vitamin D, a pleiotropic hormone, possesses immunomodulatory properties relevant to inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare serum vitamin D levels in patients diagnosed with FMF versus healthy controls.
- To explore the potential association between vitamin D deficiency and the occurrence of FMF attacks.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted involving 26 FMF patients and 34 healthy controls.
- Serum vitamin D levels were measured and statistically compared between the FMF group and the control group.
Main Results:
- FMF patients displayed significantly lower mean vitamin D levels (11.05 ± 7.11 ng/mL) compared to healthy controls (17.15 ± 6.49 ng/mL).
- The difference in vitamin D levels between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in FMF patients and may be a contributing factor to the onset of disease attacks.
- Further large-scale studies are warranted to elucidate the role of vitamin D deficiency in FMF pathogenesis and colchicine resistance.
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