Evaluating Galectin-3 (LGALS3) +191 gene variant and serum Galectin-3 levels in Egyptian children with familial mediterranean fever

Abstract

Background: The most important and devastating complications of Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is renal amyloidosis, usually affecting the kidneys leading to end stage renal failure. FMF- related renal amyloidosis needed to be diagnosed early. Optimal colchicine dose is effective in prevention and reversing renal amyloidosis. Aim of the work: to evaluate serum galectin-3 level and its gene polymorphism (LGALS3 191 C>A) as a marker of proteinuria and subclinical inflammation in Egyptian children and adolescents with FMF. Methods: Fifty FMF patients in attack free period and 40 healthy children were included as a control group. Serum levels of galectin-3 were measured, Galectin-3 (LGALS3) c.191 C>A (rs4644) gene variant was investigated and morning spot urine was collected for determination of albumin / creatinine ratio (ACR). Results: Serum Galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in FMF patients than control group, P < 0.03. Regarding genotype and allele distribution of (LGALS3) c. 191 C>A polymorphism there was statistical significant difference between cases and control, 13 patients (42%) had CC and the remaining 37 patients (63%) were CA. The control had 18 child (58%) with CC compared to 22 child with CA (37%) and BUN level was higher among CC type of Galectin-3 (LGALS3) c.191 C>A.