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Characterizing MEFV gene variants in Jordanian patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever
Wissam A Alwazani1, Nisreen A Fuqaha2, Zekrayat Medras3
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Amman Arab University, Amman, Jordan. W.alwazani@aau.edu.jo.
Background:
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is inherited as an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disorder caused by mutations in the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene and predominantly affects populations from the Mediterranean region. Despite its clinical significance, data regarding the genetic profile of FMF in Jordan remain limited. This study aimed to determine the frequency and pattern of commonly screened MEFV gene variants in a cohort of Jordanian patients clinically diagnosed with Familial Mediterranean Fever.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted on 366 patients aged 12-18 years who fulfilled the Turkish clinical diagnostic criteria for FMF and were treated at Prince Hamza Hospital between October 2022 and December 2023. The Diagnosis was supported by laboratory investigations and inflammatory markers, followed by genetic screening for most common mutations for the MEFV gene. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was provided by legal guardians. Genetic and clinical data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and the R Studio program.
Results:
Out of 366 individuals tested for MEFV gene mutations, 195 (53.3%) were mutation-positive and met the clinical criteria for FMF. The cohort comprised 75% males and 25% females, with a mean age of 13 ± 3 years and a mean age at symptom onset of 11 ± 4 years. The most frequently identified mutation was E148Q (25.12%), predominantly in the heterozygous state, followed by V726A (21.54%) and M694V (22.05%), which were also mainly heterozygous. M694I demonstrated the highest rate of homozygosity (29.41%), while K695R was detected exclusively in the homozygous form. The I692del mutation was not identified in any patient.
Conclusion:
This study provides baseline data on the frequency of commonly screened MEFV gene variants in Jordanian adolescents with FMF. E148Q, V726A, and M694V were the most frequent mutations, mainly in the heterozygous state, reflecting genetic heterogeneity in the study cohort. Further large-scale studies are warranted to elucidate genotype-phenotype correlations and refine diagnostic and management strategies for FMF in Jordan.
Insights
This study identified common MEFV gene variants in Jordanian adolescents with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). E148Q, V726A, and M694V mutations were most frequent, primarily in heterozygous states, highlighting genetic diversity.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Autoinflammatory Disorders
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disorder.
- MEFV gene mutations are the known cause of FMF.
- Limited data exists on FMF genetic profiles in Jordan.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the frequency and pattern of MEFV gene variants in Jordanian FMF patients.
- Analyze genetic profiles in a cohort of Jordanian adolescents with FMF.
- Provide baseline genetic data for FMF in Jordan.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 366 Jordanian adolescents (aged 12-18) diagnosed with FMF.
- Genetic screening for common MEFV gene mutations.
- Analysis of clinical and genetic data using SPSS and R Studio.
Main Results:
- 53.3% of patients were mutation-positive for MEFV gene variants.
- E148Q (25.12%), V726A (21.54%), and M694V (22.05%) were the most frequent mutations, mostly heterozygous.
- M694I showed the highest homozygosity rate (29.41%).
Conclusions:
- This study establishes baseline data on MEFV gene variant frequencies in Jordanian adolescents with FMF.
- Genetic heterogeneity was observed, with E148Q, V726A, and M694V being predominant.
- Further research is needed for genotype-phenotype correlations and improved FMF management in Jordan.
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