Endothelial biomarkers in patients with familial Mediterranean fever associated vascular disease and vasculopathy

Objectives FMF is an autosomal recessive disease, caused by mutations in the MEFV gene, encoding the pyrin protein associated with the interleukin-1b related inflammation cascade. In FMF overproduction of IL-1b and uncontrolled TNF-a release has been documented. These cytokines mediate activation of endothelial cells causing sustained inflammatory response and endothelial cell dysfunction[]. Vascular injuries are frequently seen in FMF patients although the exact mechanisms are not well understood. We design this study to determine the role of endothelial biomarkers in pathogenesis of vasculopathy in FMF.