Association between atherosclerosis and monocyte/high density lipoprotein ratio in patients with familial mediterranean fever

Abstract

Objective: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a chronic autosomal recessive disease involving many organs, and tissues mainly peritoneum and pleural tissues and progresses with febrile episodes. In diseases progressing with subclinical inflammation such as FMF along with conventional cardiovascular risk factors oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial damage can cause cardiovascular diseases. The monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) may indicate inflammation and oxidative stress due to the proinflammatory effect of the monocytes. We aimed to investigate the relationship between atherosclerosis and monocyte/HDL ratio in patients with FMF. Method: A total of 40 patients with FMF [21 female, median age: 37 (27-47)] diagnosed with Tel-Hashomer criteria [21 female, median age: 38 (35-40)] who applied to our clinic were included in the study. As a control group age-, and gender-matched 35 healthy volunteer individuals [21 women, median age: 38 (35-40)] were also included in the study and 35 controls. Monocyte/HDL ratio, and coronary flow reserves were evaluated as well. Results: Demographic characteristics did not differ between both groups. Monocyte count (0.55±0.15 vs. 0.46±0.14; p:0.013) and monocyte/HDL ratio (0.014 (0.010-0.017) vs. 0.010 (0.008-0.013); p: 0.003) were significantly higher in patients than controls. High sensitive-CRP was also significantly higher in patients with FMF as compared with controls [6.70 (2.7-15.4) vs. 1.75 (1.0-2.73), p<0.001]. Conclusion: As an easy method to evaluate atherosclerosis monocyte/HDL ratio may gain a role in prediction of coronary microvascular dysfunction in patient with FMF during daily clinical practice. © Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine.