We read with a great interest the article by Yildirim, et al (1), entitled "Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase, paraoxonase and arylesterase activities and malondialdehyde levels in patients with familial mediterranean fever". They found no statistically signifi cant differences in the serum levels of ESR, CRP, Cu/Zn-SOD, MDA and PON-1 between the groups observed and serum ARE activity was signifi cantly decreased in the patients with FMF compared to the control subjects. They concluded, according to

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... ese fi ndings, that alterations could be observed in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense mechanisms in patients with FMF during attack-free periods. A decrease in serum PON1 activity may occur as part of an infl ammatory response. Chronic decrease in PON1 activity increase a susceptibility to atherosclerosis but more acute declines due to some intercurrent acute infl ammatory condition could exacerbate LDL oxidation (2). Low serum PON1 activity independent of genotype has been reported in diseases, which are known to be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), such as diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and renal failure (3). In addition, it has been reported that lipid-lowering drugs and fi bric acid derivatives could raise serum PON1 activity (4). In conclusion; if details of patients such as history of diseases (coronary artery disease, renal failure, diabetes, hypertension), medication (lipid-lowering drugs, fi bric acid derivatives), an infl ammatory status and smoking habits were given, this study could have been more valuable. Yildirim K, Uzkeser H, Keles M, Yildirim S, Karatay S, Kiziltunc A, Ugur M. Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, paraoxonase and arylesterase activities and malondialdehyde levels in patients withfamilial mediterranean fever. Bratisl Lek Listy 2012; 113 (9): 561-564. 2. Van Lenten BJ, Hama SY, de Beer FC, Stafforini DM, McIntyre TM, Prescott SM, La Du BN, Fogelman AM, Navab M. Anti-infl ammatory HDL becomes pro-infl ammatory during the acute phase response. J Clin Invest 1995; 96: 2758-2767. 3. Dautoine TF, Debord J, Charmes JP, Merle L, Marquet P, Lachatre G, Leroux-Robert C. Decrease of serum paraoxonase activity in chronic renal failure. J Am Soc Nephrol 1998; 9: 2082-2088. 4. Paragh G, Balogh Z, Seres I, Harangi M, Boda J, Kovacs P. Effect of gemfi brozil on HDL-associated serum paraoxonase activity and lipoprotein profi le in patients with hyperlipidaemia.