Serum 14-3-3 eta levels in relation to attack status and amyloidosis in patients with Familial Mediterranean fever.

INTRODUCTION

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent febrile episodes and complications, including secondary amyloidosis. Protein 14-3-3η, part of a family of intracellular proteins, regulates pyrin activity, inhibiting inflammatory processes. Mutant pyrin disrupts this interaction, activating the inflammasome. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate serum 14-3-3η levels in relation to attack status and amyloidosis in FMF patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 104 FMF patients diagnosed via Tel Hashomer and PRINTO criteria and 50 healthy controls. Serum 14-3-3η levels were measured using ELISA kits, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.0, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Groups were similar in age and sex distribution. Serum 14-3-3η levels were significantly lower in FMF patients (median: 1.58 ng/mL) compared to controls (median: 2.33 ng/mL; p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed based on attack status or amyloidosis presence (p = 0.568 and 0.446, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Serum 14-3-3η levels are significantly reduced in FMF patients compared to healthy controls, which may indicate its role in FMF pathogenesis. However, no significant correlation was observed with disease activity or amyloidosis, thus limiting its potential use as a prognostic biomarker for disease progression or complications.