Background
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a chronic inflammatory disease, and it is thought that subclinical inflammation persists even when there are no attacks, eventually causing endothelial dysfunction (ED) and atherosclerosis. Limited data are available about serum endocan, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and lipid profile in children with FMF, so we aimed to evaluate these markers in children with FMF during the attack-free period.
Methods
A total of 50 patients diagnosed with FMF and 50 age and sex-matched healthy children were recruited. Serum endocan, ADMA and lipid profiles were measured. Also, atherogenic indices (Castelli’s risk indices I and II [CRI I and II], atherogenic index of plasma [AIP] and atherogenic coefficient [AC]) were calculated.
Results
Serum endocan, ADMA levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, CRI II and AIP of the FMF patients were significantly higher than controls (p < 0.001). Unlike serum endocan, serum ADMA showed a positive significant correlation with total cholesterol, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, CRI I, AIP and AC (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.028, p = 0.004 respectively).
Conclusion
Serum ADMA and lipid profile might be used as potential markers for endothelial dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk in FMF patients.
Impact
Theoretically, serum ADMA may affect lipid profiles and serum endocan represents an intriguing biomarker related to inflammation. Coexistence of dyslipidemia represents an additional risk factor that contributes to the onset of early atherosclerosis.
A few studies investigated the role of changes in lipid profile and lipid ratios in accelerated atherosclerosis pathogenesis in FMF patients.
The relationship between colchicine and lipid profile is contradictory. Although colchicine can cause dyslipidemia, it also has anti-atherosclerosis effects.
Elevated ADMA level and atherogenic indices in FMF children reflect their potential role in the early detection of cardiovascular affection in FMF patients.
