The Role of Energy Homeostasis-Associated Gene Expression and Serum Adropin Levels in Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever

Abstract

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disease primarily affecting populations in the Mediterranean region. The pathogenesis of FMF and the roles of various molecules remain unclear. Adropin, a protein encoded by the Energy Homeostasis-Associated Gene (ENHO), is involved in energy metabolism and inflammation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between ENHO expression, Adropin levels, and FMF, examining their correlations with disease characteristics. This study included 30 patients clinically diagnosed with FMF and 35 healthy controls. The ENHO expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was assessed using a qRT-PCR, and the serum Adropin levels were measured via ELISA. The ENHO expression was significantly elevated in the FMF patients compared to the controls (p = 0.0007), while no significant differences were observed in the serum Adropin levels between the groups (p = 0.81). A correlation analysis revealed a negative association between the ENHO expression and age (r = -0.47, p = 0.009), whereas the serum Adropin levels were positively correlated with age, disease onset, and diagnostic delay (p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between the ENHO expression and Adropin levels or FMF clinical features. These findings suggest that increased ENHO expression may play a role in FMF pathophysiology, potentially as a compensatory mechanism. The correlation between Adropin levels and disease onset indicates a potential protective role. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.