Multiple cytokine analysis in familial Mediterranean fever Egyptian cases using multiplex assay (Luminex technology) as a new inflammatory biomarker for disease activity

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the serum cytokines levels in the two most common mutations in Egyptian patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Patients and methods A total of 40 patients with FMF and 27 normal controls were included in this study. FMF mutations were analyzed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. CD4% was estimated using flow cytometry. Serum levels of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), E-selectin, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and IL-1α were estimated using luminex multiplex technology. Results E-selectin was significantly decreased in patients with FMF having M680I mutation. On the contrary, interferon-γ and IL-6 were significantly increased in patients with M694I mutation. According to statistical analysis, T helper cells significantly increased in both mutations of FMF groups. T helper cells, IL-1α, IL6, tumor necrosis factor, and IFN-γ serum levels were increased in patients with FMF compared with controls. Conclusion T helper cells are increased in patients with FMF compared with controls, and a high percentage of M694I and M680I mutations was noticed in the study.