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Trace element levels in patients with familial mediterranean Fever.

OBJECTIVE
Although the genetic etiology of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is known, limited information is available regarding the regulation of inflammation during attack-free periods. The aim of this study was to determine the alterations in serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) levels that may be associated with inflammation during attack-free periods in FMF patients.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study included 33 patients with FMF and 30 healthy volunteers. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level and serum levels of Cu, Zn and Se in FMF patients and healthy volunteers were assessed by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method.


RESULTS
ESR and serum CRP levels and serum Cu and Zn levels were similar between patients with FMF during an attack-free period and healthy controls (p>0.05). Serum Se levels in the patient group were significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.05).


CONCLUSION
Our study shows that levels of trace elements in serum are variable in patients with FMF during attack-free periods. Serum Se concentrations may at least in part contribute to the subclinical inflammation in FMF patients during attack-free periods. However, further studies are necessary to confirm this result.