Plasma viscosity in patients with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Plasma viscosity, which is affected by plasma lipid and protein composition, is a hemorheological parameter accepted as an early cardiovascular risk factor. In this study we aimed to investigate the alterations in plasma viscosity in patients with metabolic syndrome since both are early predictors of CVD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total number of 70 patients aged between 25-55 years with the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome according to IDF 2005 criteria and 32 age and sex matched healthy subjects were allocated consecutively in the study. Body mass index (BMI), arterial blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL and triglyceride levels were measured and plasma viscosity was measured. The results of patients with MS and healthy subjects were compared. Correlation between components of the Metabolic Syndrome and plasma viscosity was assessed. RESULTS: BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, serum lipid and glucose levels and plasma viscosity levels were higher in patient group (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was determined between plasma viscosity and waist circumference, hypertension and serum lipid levels (r = 0.401, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Plasma viscosity is increased in patients with metabolic syndrome and it is associated with waist circumference, hypertension and plasma lipid levels.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and familial Mediterranean fever: are they related?

INTRODUCTION: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a periodic febrile disease characterized by acute recurrent episodes of serositis. Liver disease is not considered a part of the spectrum of clinical manifestations of FMF. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that could be associated with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). METHODS: Clinical findings and treatment information of the patients with FMF were obtained from outpatient files. Weight, height, hip and waist circumference, blood pressure, blood C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, glucose, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and insulin levels were determined in all subjects, and additionally liver ultrasonography was performed for signs of hepatosteatosis. RESULTS: Fifty-two age and gender matched patients with FMF, and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the patient group was determined to be significantly higher in the patient group compared to the healthy group. When FMF patients with and without hepatosteatosis were compared, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was determined to be 6 vs. 3, respectively (p < 0.001). Eleven patients with FMF were found to have grade 1-2 hepatosteatosis, and only 6 of healthy subjects had grade 1 hepatoseatosis (p = 0.901). CONCLUSION: When compared with healthy controls, we found the prevalence of NAFLD was not increased in patients with FMF.