Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Precision Implementation of Minimal Erythema Dose MED Testing to Assess Individual Variation in Human Inflammatory Response
Published on: October 3, 2019
Association of Mediterranean diet adherence with familial Mediterranean fever severity in a Lebanese cohort
Razane Hammoud1, Remie El Helou2,3, Dalal Sabbagh1
1Department of Biological Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon.
Background:
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by a wide clinical variability among individuals, indicating that both genetic and environmental factors influence disease progression. Although the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, its relationship with FMF severity remains uninvestigated. This study aims to explore the association between MD adherence and FMF severity, while considering individuals' genetic background, lifestyle, and comorbid health conditions.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 101 confirmed individuals with FMF in Lebanon. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included participants' demographics, socio-economic status, disease manifestations, comorbidities, treatment, and lifestyle habits. FMF severity was determined using the International Severity Score for FMF (ISSF), dietary adherence was assessed using the Modified Mediterranean Prime Screen (MMPS), and physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF).
Results:
Adherence to the MD Score (MDS) was categorized as low (34%), moderate (48%), and high (19%). Most MD component intakes did not meet the recommended ranges. While no relationship was found between MD adherence and FMF severity, specific clinical manifestations, such as diarrhea, differed significantly, with a higher frequency noted in the low MD group. Obesity, high levels of physical activity, and the presence of comorbidities-particularly rheumatoid manifestations, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular diseases-were associated with a significant increase in FMF severity among participants; however, none of these factors emerged as independent predictors in multivariate models.
Conclusions:
Our findings reinforce the multifactorial aspect of FMF and underscore the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses all contributing factors collectively.
Insights
Mediterranean Diet adherence did not correlate with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) severity. However, factors like obesity and comorbidities significantly increased FMF severity, highlighting the disease's complex, multifactorial nature.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Genetics
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease with variable clinical presentation, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is known for anti-inflammatory properties, but its impact on FMF severity is unexplored.
- This study investigates the link between MD adherence and FMF severity, considering genetic, lifestyle, and comorbidity factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and the severity of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF).
- To analyze the influence of genetic background, lifestyle, and comorbid conditions on FMF severity in relation to MD adherence.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of 101 individuals with confirmed FMF in Lebanon.
- Data collection included demographics, socio-economics, disease manifestations, comorbidities, treatment, and lifestyle using questionnaires.
- FMF severity was assessed using the International Severity Score for FMF (ISSF), MD adherence via Modified Mediterranean Prime Screen (MMPS), and physical activity via IPAQ-SF.
Main Results:
- Most participants had low to moderate adherence to the MD, with suboptimal intake of MD components.
- No significant association was found between MD adherence and overall FMF severity.
- Diarrhea was more frequent in the low MD adherence group. Obesity, high physical activity, and comorbidities (rheumatoid, IBD, cardiovascular) correlated with increased FMF severity but were not independent predictors.
Conclusions:
- FMF severity is multifactorial, influenced by a complex interplay of factors beyond diet.
- A comprehensive approach is necessary to manage FMF, considering genetics, lifestyle, comorbidities, and environmental influences.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific roles of individual factors in FMF pathogenesis and progression.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:23Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
01:17Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management