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Higher Pentraxin-3 Levels are Associated With Inflammation in Familial Mediterranean Fever
Mesudiye Bulut1, Mevlut Ceri2, Selman Unverdi3
1Department of Nephrology, Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Background:
Circulating levels of Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) have been shown to increase in several inflammatory conditions. However, there is no information about the levels of PTX3 in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). This study was designed to evaluate the serum PTX3 levels in patients with FMF during attack and free-attack periods.
Methods:
Twenty FMF patients in attack and free-attack period, and 20 age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained within the first 24 h of the attack period and between attacks, and levels of white blood cell, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Fibrinogen, high sensitive CRP, and PTX3 were determined.
Results:
PTX3 levels during the attack period were not significantly different from those in free-attack patients (4.9 ± 4.6 ng/ml vs. 2.8 ± 1.4 ng/ml, P > 0.05). However, both attack and free-attack patients had significantly higher PTX3 levels than healthy controls (4.9 ± 4.6 ng/ml vs. 1.8 ± 0.8 ng/ml, P < 0.001; 2.8 ± 1.4 ng/ml vs. 1.8 ± 0.8 ng/ml, P < 0.025, respectively).
Conclusions:
PTX3 levels were not markedly affected from FMF attacks, but high level of PTX3 in free-attack period of FMF patients shows ongoing subclinical inflammation. However, further studies are needed to determine its usefulness as a marker in clinical practice.
Insights
Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) levels are elevated in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients, indicating subclinical inflammation even between attacks. PTX3 may serve as a potential biomarker for ongoing inflammation in FMF.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is an acute-phase protein implicated in inflammatory responses.
- Elevated PTX3 levels are observed in various inflammatory conditions.
- No prior data existed on PTX3 levels in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum PTX3 levels in FMF patients.
- To compare PTX3 levels during FMF attacks versus inter-attack periods.
- To assess PTX3 as a potential inflammatory marker in FMF.
Main Methods:
- The study included 20 FMF patients (attack and free-attack periods) and 20 healthy controls.
- Blood samples were analyzed for PTX3, white blood cell count, ESR, fibrinogen, and hs-CRP.
- Measurements were taken within 24 hours of attack onset and during remission.
Main Results:
- PTX3 levels were significantly higher in FMF patients (both attack and free-attack) compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001 and P < 0.025, respectively).
- No significant difference in PTX3 levels was observed between FMF patients during attacks and those in free-attack periods (P > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- PTX3 levels are not significantly altered by acute FMF attacks.
- Sustained elevated PTX3 in FMF patients suggests persistent subclinical inflammation.
- Further research is required to establish PTX3's clinical utility as an FMF biomarker.
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