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

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 (<i>ENHO</i>), is involved in energy metabolism and inflammation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between <i>ENHO</i> 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 <i>ENHO</i> expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was assessed using a qRT-PCR, and the serum Adropin levels were measured via ELISA. The <i>ENHO</i> expression was significantly elevated in the FMF patients compared to the controls (<i>p</i> = 0.0007), while no significant differences were observed in the serum Adropin levels between the groups (<i>p</i> = 0.81). A correlation analysis revealed a negative association between the <i>ENHO</i> expression and age (r = -0.47, <i>p</i> = 0.009), whereas the serum Adropin levels were positively correlated with age, disease onset, and diagnostic delay (<i>p</i> < 0.05). No significant associations were found between the <i>ENHO</i> expression and Adropin levels or FMF clinical features. These findings suggest that increased <i>ENHO</i> 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.