Investigating the Role of IL-33 in the Pathogenesis of Familial Mediterranean Fever

Abstract

Abstract Familial mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder familial disease with inflammatory reactions of serosal membranes characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal chest and joint pain, and fever. During the acute attacts, increased several proinflammatory cytokines have been described. IL-33 is a member of the IL-1 cytokine superfamily. It has been reported that IL-33 plays an important role in inflammation and homeostasis. Here, we analyzed serum IL-33 concentration in patients with FMF to assess its possible role in the pathophysiology of this disease. Material and method In this study, 58 patients with FMF (21 female, 37 male; mean age 27.8 ± 5.2 years, mean disease duration 8.2 ± 3,7 years) and 22 healthy controls (10 female, 12 male, mean age 26,5 ± 5,9 years) were included. Serum IL-33 levels were measured by ELISA. Results The mean serum IL-33 levels were 3,88 ± 2,25 pg/ml in patients with FMF and 2,89 ± 0.48 pg/ml in the healthy controls. The mean levels of serum IL-33 were 5,48 ± 2,13 pg/ml in active stage and 2,27 ± 0,36 pg/ml in inactive stage. According to these results; serum IL-33 levels were significantly higher in patients with FMF compared with healthy controls (p<0.01). In addition, Serum IL-33 levels were significantly higher in active stage compared to in inactive stages and controls (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001). In the inactive patients with FMF, serum IL-33 concentrations were found to be lower compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). In active FMF patients, the mean serum IL-33 level was correlated with arthritis (p<0.05). Conclusion The high levels of serum IL-33, in active patients with FMF suggest that IL-33 may play a significant role of in the pathogenesis of FMF.