Increased serum concentrations of homocysteine and lipoprotein (a) in familial mediterranean fever


KARATAY S., Yildirim K., UYANIK A., UZKESER H., KIZILTUNÇ A., Ugur M., ...More

Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science, vol.40, no.1, pp.10-14, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 40 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Journal Name: Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.10-14
  • Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Familial mediterranean fever, Folic acid, Homocysteine, Lipoprotein (a)
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Serum homocysteine, folic acid, lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) were measured in 52 patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) during attack-free periods and in 30 healthy control subjects. Serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher in the FMF patients (median 17.8 μg/dl; range 5.6-80.8) than in controls (median 11.7; range 5.6-42.2; p = 0.013). Serum homocysteine levels were elevated above the upper reference limit (15 μg/dl) in 56% of the FMF patients compared to 27% of the controls (p = 0.011). Serum Lp(a) levels were significantly higher in the FMF patients (median 39.3 mg/dl; range 6.6-124.5) than in controls (median 27.2; range 11.1-78.1; p = 0.035). Serum Lp(a) levels were elevated above the upper reference limit (30 mg/dl) in 71% of the FMF patients compared to 47% of the controls (p = 0.028). The ESR, fibrinogen, CRP, and folic acid levels were similar in both groups. In conclusion, serum homocysteine and Lp(a) concentrations are often increased in FMF patients during attack-free periods. The elevated homocysteine and Lp(a) levels, which are markers of sub-clinical inflammation, may be mediators of atherosclerotic disease in FMF patients. © 2010 by the Association of Clinical Scientists, Inc.