Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the serum cytokines levels in the two most common mutations in Egyptian patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).
Patients and methods
A total of 40 patients with FMF and 27 normal controls were included in this study. FMF mutations were analyzed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. CD4% was estimated using flow cytometry. Serum levels of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), E-selectin, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and IL-1α were estimated using luminex multiplex technology.
Results
E-selectin was significantly decreased in patients with FMF having mutation. On the contrary, interferon-γ and IL-6 were significantly increased in patients with mutation. According to statistical analysis, T helper cells significantly increased in both mutations of FMF groups. T helper cells, IL-1α, IL6, tumor necrosis factor, and IFN-γ serum levels were increased in patients with FMF compared with controls.
Conclusion
T helper cells are increased in patients with FMF compared with controls, and a high percentage of and mutations was noticed in the study.