Plasma fibronectin- and thrombospondin-adhesive molecules during acute attacks and attack-free periods of familial Mediterranean fever

We assessed plasma concentrations of fibronectin (FN) and thrombospondin (T SP) during acute attacks and attack-free periods of patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Seven female and three male FMF patients (mean a ge 34 +/- 7 years) were enrolled in the study. Plasma samples were obtained during acute FMF attacks and after 3 months of freedom from attacks. Eryth rocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and white blood cell count w ere evaluated concurrently. Plasma levels of FN and TSP were assayed by enz yme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Both FN and TSP concentrations were found to increase during acute attacks. Levels of adhesive molecules decre ased during attack-free periods (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were f ound between FN and TSP levels and the concentrations of acute-phase respon se indicators (P < 0.05). This study disclosed for the first time significa ntly higher increments in the plasma levels of FN and TSP during acute FMF attacks than in attack-free periods. Therefore, the two matrix glycoprotein s may play precipitating and/or regulatory roles in the inflammatory proces ses of these attacks.