Effects of colchicine on inflammatory cytokines and selectins in familial Mediterranean fever.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether basal levels of circulating cytokines and selectins exhibit a distinct profile in attack-free, non-colchicine taking familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients compared to normal healthy controls, and to determine the effect of colchicine treatment on these parameters.


METHODS
Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and soluble P-, E-, and L-selectin in attack-free, asymptomatic, non-colchicine using FMF patients (n = 11) and in normal controls (n = 10) were studied. Following 2 months of colchicine treatment the same parameters were evaluated again in the FMF patients.


RESULTS
Before colchicine treatment the serum levels of all parameters except soluble P-selectin were significantly higher in FMF patients than in controls. After two months of treatment statistically significant decreases were observed in these parameters (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
A distinct profile of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and soluble E- and L-selectin levels was observed in FMF patients, which could reflect the presence of sustained inflammation in attack-free FMF patients. The effect of colchicine on these parameters suggests its therapeutic potential.
Kiraz
S
S
Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Ertenli
I
I
Arici
M
M
Calgüneri
M
M
Haznedaroglu
I
I
Celik
I
I
Pay
S
S
Kirazli
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D003078:Colchicine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D010505:Familial Mediterranean Fever / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019087:Selectins / Q000097:blood*
D016207:Cytokines; D019087:Selectins; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D003078:Colchicine