Decreased Chitotriosidase Activity and Levels in Familial Mediterranean Fever

Different studies have demonstrated changes in chitotriosidase (ChT) activity and concentrations in multiple diseases. However, changes in ChT activity and concentrations have not been concurrently evaluated in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). In this study, we analyzed the changes in serum ChT activity and concentrations in patients with FMF. The study included a total of 80 patients with FMF and 80 healthy controls. ChT enzyme activity and concentrations were measured and then compared between the groups. ChT activity was measured by using fluorometric ELISA and ChT concentrations were measured by using colorimetric ELISA methods. The median ChT activity was 10.00 (6.00–15.00) nmol/mL/hr in the patients and 14.00 (6.25–20.75) nmol/mL/hr in the controls. There was a statistically significant difference in the ChT activity between the controls and patients (P = 0.027). The median ChT concentrations were 65.40 (46.20–84.92) pg/mL and 125.00 (75.72–143.95) pg/mL in the patients and controls, respectively (P < 0.001), which were expressed as median percentiles (25th–75th). Additionally, we found no correlation between C-reactive protein and ChT activity (P = 0.978, r = 0.003) and concentrations (P = 0.446, r = −0.87). Serum ChT enzyme activity and concentrations may not be considered as a biomarker in FMF patients taking colchicine. New studies are needed to evaluate the changes of enzyme activity and concentration in colchicine-negative patients.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Serum Amyloid A and C-reactive Protein Levels in Patients with Acute Brucellosis

To determine the levels of and the relationship between serum amyloid A [SAA], C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] in patients with acute brucellosis. SAA, CRP and ESR were measured with ELISA, nephelometry and Mix-Rate x100 vital diagnostic device, respectively, in serum samples of 30 patients diagnosed with acute brucellosis and 40 volunteers with no systemic diseases. Statistically significant difference was determined between patients and controls in terms of the levels of SAA, CRP and ESR [p < 0.05]. Although CRP levels and ESR were significantly correlated in the patient group [p < 0.05], there was no significant correlation between CRP and SAA or ESR and SAA [p > 0.05]. CRP levels are significantly elevated in bacterial infections, however the increase is minimal in viral infections. SAA increases sooner and to greater levels during the course of infections. In addition, contrary to CRP, SAA is markedly elevated in both bacterial and viral infection. Consequently, these three acute phase reactants should be used together in order to obtain more reliable results in the differential diagnosis of infections