Exists a role for serum irisin in Egyptian Behcet’s patients with subclinical atherosclerosis?

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To examine the serum irisin level in a group of Behcet’s disease patients, its association with illness parameters, and its utility in diagnosing subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods This randomized case–control study included 50 patients and 50 age- and sex-matched controls. Carotid Doppler ultrasound for the measurement of the carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) were performed. A clinical evaluation, lipogram, and serum irisin were also performed. Results Between the patients and the control group, there was a significant difference in CIMT, S. irisin level, and ankle-brachial pressure index; however, gender and BMI did not significantly affect CIMT, ABPI, or S. irisin level. CIMT demonstrated a substantial negative correlation with both S. irisin and ABPI (r =  − 0.62, P 0.0001). With a sensitivity of up to 94.30% and a specificity of 93.30%, the ROC analysis revealed that a decrease in S. irisin level in Behcet’s patients was indicative of subclinical atherosclerosis. The drop in the ABPI level demonstrated a sensitivity of up to 94.30% and a specificity of 100%. Conclusion Subclinical atherosclerosis is prevalent among Egyptian Behcet’s patients, and S. irisin can be employed as a biomarker for diagnosing subclinical atherosclerosis in Behcet’s illness. Key Points• Serum irisin has been studied in numerous autoimmune disorders as a marker for subclinical atherosclerosis, although its importance in Behcet’s disease remains unclear (BD).• We examined the change in serum irisin levels in Behcet’s disease patients and healthy controls. In addition, its association with carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and ankle-brachial pressure index was investigated (ABPI).• Changes in serum irisin levels are significant in BD, and a decrease in irisin level indicates subclinical atherosclerosis.