Investigation of apoptosis associated speck like protein containing a card (ASC), tnf like factor 1a (TL 1a), b cell chemoatractant chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL 13) genes expression levels in familial mediterranean fever patients who admitted to department of pediatrics, duzce university hospital

The aim of this study was to compare ASC, CXCL 13 and TL-1a genes expression levels in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and healthy controls, and to determine their clinical significance in patients with FMF. Thirty-six patients (20 girl, 16 boy) with FMF according to Tell Hashomer criteria and genetic analysis enrolled in this study and compared with twelve healthy controls (7 girl, 5 boy). White blood cells, Serum Amyloid A level, sedimentation rate, white blood cells, platelet and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined by routine laboratory methods. Levels of expression of ASC, TL-1a and CXCL 13 genes were calculated by quantitative Real Time PCR method. There was no significant difference with respect to the age (p = 0.13) and gender (p = 0.74) between patients with FMF and healthy controls. The mean symptom period was 4,8±4(0-15) years in patients with FMF. There was no significant difference when ASC expression levels were increased in patients with FMF when compared to healthy controls (p=0.79). There was a significant difference in TL-1a and CXCL 13 expression levels (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). There was a significant correlation between ASC expression level and CXCL 13 and between CXCL 13 and TL-1a levels (p = 0.05 and 0.00, respectively). There was no significant relationship between ASC and TL-1a levels (p = 0.48). In conclusion, it was revealed that CXCL 13 and TL 1a gene expression levels were not significantly different but ASC gene expression level was increased in FMF patients. Expression levels of these genes were related to the pathogenesis of the disease and these genes could be used as a marker in the early diagnosis of FMF. Since it is the first study about CXCL 13 and TL-1a, and second study about ASC, further studies with more participants are needed to get more information.