Urinary Excretion of Heat-Shock Protein 70 in Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever

Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine the urinary excretion of HSP70 in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Material and Methods: Children with FMF attack-free period and FMF attack and healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Characteristics of patients and laboratory results were recorded. Urine HSP70 levels, urine creatinine were studied, and urinary excretion of HSP70 was calculated. Results: Mean levels of urine HSP70 in patients with FMF attack-free period were significantly lower than that of controls (p = 0.01). The mean urinary excretion of HSP70 was higher in patients with an FMF attack than that of patients with FMF attack free period, but similar with controls. The mean HSP70 and urinary excretion of HSP70 were not different in children with homozygous MEFV mutation, in children with M694V mutation and others (p > 0.05). There was negative correlation between urinary excretion of HSP70 and the age of patients and controls (r =-0.284, p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant correlation between urinary excretion of HSP70 and leukocyte counts, CRP, ESR, fibrinogen levels (p > 0.05). Discussion: Urinary excretion of HSP70 increased in FMF patients during the attack period as it is a stress factor. Lower levels of urinary excretion of HSP70 in FMF patients with attack-free period may be related to the anti-inflammatory activity of colchicine. Urinary excretion of HSP70 was negatively correlated with the age of pediatric patients. MEFV mutation type as homozygous mutation and M694V mutation did not affect levels of urinary excretion of HSP70.