OBJECTIVE: Unlike in many other chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, studies investigating endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) are limited, and the results are controversial. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is considered an indicator for endothelial dysfunction and a sensitive marker for cardiovascular risk. There have been no reports on serum ADMA levels in patients with FMF. METHODS: We aimed (1) to determine serum ADMA concentrations in 38 young male patients with FMF and 23 age- and body mass index-matched healthy volunteers; (2) to evaluate its correlations with MEFV mutations, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and lipid profile; and (3) to compare effects of colchicine on circulating ADMA concentrations. RESULTS: In patients with FMF, ADMA and CRP levels were higher than in healthy controls. The mean levels of ADMA and CRP were higher during acute attacks than in attack-free periods. Patients taking colchicine had lower serum ADMA levels than non-colchicine users. There was a positive strong correlation between ADMA and CRP in patients with FMF. Stepwise linear regression analysis in patients with FMF revealed that age and CRP levels were independently associated with serum ADMA levels. CONCLUSION: Our data imply that higher serum ADMA levels in FMF may indicate inflammation-related "endothelial dysfunction." It seems likely that regular use of colchicine is effective in preventing the development of and reversing not only amyloidosis but also endothelial dysfunction in patients with FMF.
OBJECTIVE: Unlike in many other chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, studies investigating endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) are limited, and the results are controversial. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is considered an indicator for endothelial dysfunction and a sensitive marker for cardiovascular risk. There have been no reports on serum ADMA levels in patients with FMF. METHODS: We aimed (1) to determine serum ADMA concentrations in 38 young male patients with FMF and 23 age- and body mass index-matched healthy volunteers; (2) to evaluate its correlations with MEFV mutations, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and lipid profile; and (3) to compare effects of colchicine on circulating ADMA concentrations. RESULTS: In patients with FMF, ADMA and CRP levels were higher than in healthy controls. The mean levels of ADMA and CRP were higher during acute attacks than in attack-free periods. Patients taking colchicine had lower serum ADMA levels than non-colchicine users. There was a positive strong correlation between ADMA and CRP in patients with FMF. Stepwise linear regression analysis in patients with FMF revealed that age and CRP levels were independently associated with serum ADMA levels. CONCLUSION: Our data imply that higher serum ADMA levels in FMF may indicate inflammation-related "endothelial dysfunction." It seems likely that regular use of colchicine is effective in preventing the development of and reversing not only amyloidosis but also endothelial dysfunction in patients with FMF.
Authors: Veysel Ozalper; Muammer Kara; Alpaslan Tanoglu; Ibrahim Cetındaglı; Coskun Ozturker; Yusuf Hancerlı; Serdar Hıra; Kemal Kara; Yavuz Beyazıt; Yusuf Yazgan Journal: Clin Rheumatol Date: 2017-01-10 Impact factor: 2.980
Authors: Cagatay Oktenli; Ozkan Sayan; Serkan Celik; Alev A Erikci; Yusuf Tunca; Hakan M Terekeci; Elcin Erkuvan Umur; Yavuz S Sanisoglu; Deniz Torun; Fatih Tangi; Burak Sahan; Selim Nalbant Journal: Int J Hematol Date: 2010-05-01 Impact factor: 2.490
Authors: Ozkan Sayan; Emrah Kilicaslan; Serkan Celik; Fatih Tangi; Alev A Erikci; Osman Ipcioglu; Yavuz S Sanisoglu; Selim Nalbant; Cagatay Oktenli Journal: Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus Date: 2011-07-21 Impact factor: 0.900