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Trace element levels in patients with familial mediterranean Fever
Kadir Yildirim1, Hulya Uzkeser1, Abdullah Uyanik2
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
Objective:
Although the genetic etiology of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is known, limited information is available regarding the regulation of inflammation during attack-free periods. The aim of this study was to determine the alterations in serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) levels that may be associated with inflammation during attack-free periods in FMF patients.
Materials And Methods:
This study included 33 patients with FMF and 30 healthy volunteers. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level and serum levels of Cu, Zn and Se in FMF patients and healthy volunteers were assessed by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method.
Results:
ESR and serum CRP levels and serum Cu and Zn levels were similar between patients with FMF during an attack-free period and healthy controls (p>0.05). Serum Se levels in the patient group were significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion:
Our study shows that levels of trace elements in serum are variable in patients with FMF during attack-free periods. Serum Se concentrations may at least in part contribute to the subclinical inflammation in FMF patients during attack-free periods. However, further studies are necessary to confirm this result.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients in attack-free periods show higher serum selenium levels. This suggests selenium may contribute to subclinical inflammation, warranting further investigation into trace element roles in FMF.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Trace Element Metabolism
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disease.
- While FMF etiology is known, inflammation regulation during quiescent phases requires further study.
- Trace elements play crucial roles in immune function and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) levels in FMF patients during attack-free periods.
- To assess potential associations between these trace elements and subclinical inflammation in FMF.
Main Methods:
- Compared serum Cu, Zn, and Se levels in 33 FMF patients and 30 healthy controls.
- Measured erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as inflammation markers.
- Utilized atomic absorption spectrophotometry for trace element analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in ESR, CRP, serum Cu, or serum Zn levels were observed between FMF patients and controls.
- Serum selenium (Se) levels were significantly elevated in FMF patients compared to healthy controls (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Serum trace element levels exhibit variability in FMF patients during attack-free periods.
- Elevated serum selenium may be linked to subclinical inflammation in FMF.
- Further research is needed to validate the role of selenium in FMF pathogenesis.
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