Tumor markers in familial Mediterranean fever and their correlation with the frequency of attacks.
OBJECTIVE
Serum levels of tumor markers can be elevated in several benign diseases affecting the serosal surfaces. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic disease characterized by acute attacks of fever and inflammation of the serosal membranes. The aim of this study was to examine the levels of tumor markers in FMF patients and their correlation with the frequency of attacks.


METHODS
Serum levels of CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, CA 72-4, CEA, and AFP were measured by ELISA in 36 patients with a definitive diagnosis of FMF (21 males, 15 females, mean age 36.4+/-10.3 yrs) and in 19 healthy controls.


RESULTS
Serum levels of all tumor markers were normal in the controls. In FMF patients serum levels of CA 125, CA 19.9, CA 15.3, CEA and AFP were within normal ranges, whereas CA 72.4 was significantly higher than in the controls (p=0.001). Half of the FMF patients showed increased levels of CA 72.4; the mean level was lower in those in complete remission. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between FMF attacks and acute phase reactant levels.


CONCLUSIONS
With the exception of Ca 72.4, serum levels of tumor markers are not affected by changes in inflammatory cytokines levels during FMF attacks.
Balaban
Y H
YH
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. ybalaban@superonline.com
Simsek
H
H
Yilmaz
R
R
Sarer-Yurekli
B P
BP
Shorbagi
A
A
Tatar
G
G
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D010505:Familial Mediterranean Fever / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor