Abstract

Aim One of the genetic diseases known to adversely aff ect endothelial function is familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). The purpose of this study is to investigate the status of oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) related parameters in patients with FMF. Material and Methods 41 subjects with FMF (38 male - 3 female) and 32 healthy control subjects (29 male - 3 female) were selected from Turkish population. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrit/nitrat (NO2 - /NO) levels were investigated in all subjects. Results MDA and NO 3 -2 -/NO levels of patients in the acute phase were signifi cantly higher than those of control (p< 0.001). No signifi cant diff erence was found in GSH-Px activities between in the acute phase patients and the control subjects. MDA and NO 3 - 2 - /NO levels of patients in the attack-free period were also signifi cantly higher than those of control (p< 0.001). No signifi cant diff erence was found between the patients in the attack-free period and the control according to GSH-Px activities. Conclusions Our fi ndings point out that oxidative status and NO metabolism is aff ected in FMF patients. High MDA and NO2 - /NO3 -3 - levels in the attack-free phase of patients may be due to the certain period of time needed for the relief of lipid peroxidation and the reversal of NO pathway activation.

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