High Frequency of Inherited Variants in the MEFV Gene in Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.

In the present study, we aimed to determine the frequency of inherited variants in the MEFV (Mediterranean FeVer), the gene responsible for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), gene in patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). The eight MEFV gene variants (M694I, M694V, M680I (G/C-A), V726A, R761H, E148Q and P369S) were detected in 36 patients with ALL and 65 healthy controls; none had own and/or family history compatible with FMF. We identified 11 heterozygous inherited variants in the MEFV gene in both ALL patients and controls. The mean overall frequency of inherited variants in the MEFV gene rate was higher in ALL patients than healthy controls (P = 0.040). It is interesting to note that M680I/0 is predominant variant in patients with ALL. In addition, E148Q variant frequency was also significantly higher in the patient group than the controls (P = 0.012). In conclusion, overall frequency of inherited variants in the MEFV gene was found to be higher in patients with ALL. Based on the present data, it is difficult to reach a definitive conclusion regarding the possibility that inherited variants in the MEFV gene could represent a causative role in ALL. However, the data of our study may provide some new insights in understanding of individual genetic differences in susceptibility to these neoplasms. Further investigations are needed to determine the actual role of inherited variants in the MEFV gene in pathogenesis of ALL.