Correction of a suppressor cell deficiency in familial Mediterranean fever by colchicine

We have previously reported a suppressor cell deficiency in four patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Since colchicine prevents FMF attacks, we tested the effect of colchicine (1 mg twice daily) on the suppressor cell function in three of these FMF patients. Proliferation of phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated responder cells co-cultured with concanavalin A-induced suppressor cells was measured. The three FMF patients' mean (± s.e.m.) percentage suppression of normal responder cells was markedly low before treatment (6 ± 2) but significantly (P < 0.001) increased during colchicine treatment (41 ± 5) to levels similar to normal volunteers' mean percentage suppression (44 ± 3). Colchicine corrected their suppressor cell deficiency and prevented FMF attacks during the 15 months of treatment. These findings support the hypothesis that there may be an association between these three patients' suppressor cell deficiency and the pathogenesis of their disease. Furthermore, colchicine may be potentially useful in treating patients with other diseases associated with a suppressor cell deficiency.