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Possible protection against asthma in heterozygotes for familial Mediterranean fever
A Brenner-Ullman1, H Melzer-Ofir, M Daniels
1Department of Medical Genetics, FMRC, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Abstract:
To identify a specific heterozygote advantage in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), responsible for the high carrier rate of 1/6 in North African Jews, we studied the morbidity and mortality of 148 parents of affected patients and of 148 ethnically matched control persons. Our data demonstrate an apparently reduced prevalence of asthma in the heterozygotes compared with the control persons (3 vs. 6). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in fertility rate, number of pregnancies and deliveries, or the prevalence of common diseases. Our data are in agreement with previous studies which demonstrated decreased asthma prevalence in FMF patients. It further confirmed, these findings suggest that identification of the FMF gene on 16p may provide an insight into asthma.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) heterozygotes show a lower prevalence of asthma. This finding in North African Jewish populations suggests a potential genetic link between FMF and asthma, warranting further investigation into the FMF gene.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) has a high carrier rate (1/6) in North African Jewish populations.
- Previous studies suggest a decreased asthma prevalence in FMF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a potential heterozygote advantage for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).
- To explore the association between FMF heterozygosity and asthma prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 148 parents of FMF patients (heterozygotes) and 148 matched controls.
- Morbidity and mortality data were collected and compared between the two groups.
Main Results:
- A reduced prevalence of asthma was observed in FMF heterozygotes compared to controls (3% vs. 6%).
- No significant differences were found in fertility, pregnancy outcomes, or common disease prevalence between groups.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a potential heterozygote advantage for FMF, specifically a protective effect against asthma.
- Further research into the FMF gene may offer insights into the pathogenesis of asthma.