Immunogenic Potential of the Mediterranean Fever Gene in Patients with Coronavirus Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

In December 2019, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) became a pandemic and caused a global health crisis. This study evaluates the immunogenic potential of the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2020 in various COVID-19 referral centers in Ardabil, Iran. Blood samples of 50 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 were evaluated for MEFV gene mutation using the amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 22.0.

Results

Mutations of the MEFV gene were found in 6 (12%) of the patients. All mutations were heterozygous, and no homozygous or compound heterozygous forms were detected. The total mutant allele frequency was 6% and the carrier rate was 12%. The most common allele of the MEFV variant was E148Q, detected in 3 (6%) patients. No mutant variant of the MEFV gene was detected in deceased patients. None of the mutation carriers had familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) symptoms or a family history of FMF.

Conclusion

MEFV gene mutations may have immunogenic potential in patients with COVID-19. A preprint version of this article has already been published at https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-69373/latest.pdf.

Hidden threat in familial Mediterranean fever: subclinical inflammation, oxidative stress and their relationship with vitamin D status

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D levels have been investigated in children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), but the relationship between vitamin D status and inflammation/oxidative stress indicators could not be clearly demonstrated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between subclinical inflammation/oxidative stress and vitamin D status in children with FMF during an attack-free period.

METHODS

In the cross-sectional study, ninety children with FMF in the attack-free period and 30 healthy children were included. Patients were grouped according to their vitamin D status (< 20, 20-29, and 30-100 ng/mL). The groups were compared in terms of pentraxin 3 (PTX-3), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS). Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with vitamin D status.

RESULTS

PTX-3 levels were significantly higher in patients with vitamin D insufficiency (20-29 ng/mL) than in the group with vitamin D sufficient (30-100 ng/mL). Patients with vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) had higher TOS. A strong negative correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and TOS (p = 0.003). Subclinical inflammation (PTX-3 ≥ 0.640) and high TOS levels were negatively associated with vitamin D levels.