Protozoan-Derived Cytokine-Transgenic Macrophages Reverse Hepatic Fibrosis.

Macrophage therapy for liver fibrosis is on the cusp of meaningful clinical utility. Due to the heterogeneities of macrophages, it is urgent to develop safer macrophages with a more stable and defined phenotype for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Herein, a new macrophage-based immunotherapy using macrophages stably expressing a pivotal cytokine from Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects ≈ 2 billion people is developed. It is found that Toxoplasma gondii macrophage migration inhibitory factor-transgenic macrophage (Mφtgmif) shows stable fibrinolysis and strong chemotactic capacity. Mφtgmif effectively ameliorates liver fibrosis and deactivates aHSCs by recruiting Ly6Chi macrophages via paracrine CCL2 and polarizing them into the restorative Ly6Clo macrophage through the secretion of CX3CL1. Remarkably, Mφtgmif exhibits even higher chemotactic potential, lower grade of inflammation, and better therapeutic effects than LPS/IFN-γ-treated macrophages, making macrophage-based immune therapy more efficient and safer. Mechanistically, TgMIF promotes CCL2 expression by activating the ERK/HMGB1/NF-κB pathway, and this event is associated with recruiting endogenous macrophages into the fibrosis liver. The findings do not merely identify viable immunotherapy for liver fibrosis but also suggest a therapeutic strategy based on the evolutionarily designed immunomodulator to treat human diseases by modifying the immune microenvironment.

Migration inhibitory factor and cluster of differentiation 74-mediated dendritic cell apoptosis exacerbates acute acetaminophen-induced liver injury.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on dendritic cells (DC) during acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice. METHODS: First, we randomly divided the mice into experimental (ALI model) and control groups, then intraperitoneally injected 600 mg/kg of APAP or phosphate-buffered saline, respectively. Then, we collected liver tissue and serum samples to evaluate liver inflammation using serum alanine aminotransferase level and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of liver tissues. Flow cytometry was used to identify changes in the quantity and percentage of DCs, as well as the expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 74 and other apoptosis-related markers in the liver. Next, we randomly divided the mice into APAP-vehicles, APAP-bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), APAP-MIF, APAP-IgG (isotype immunoglobin G antibody) groups (four mice per group), after APAP injection, we injected control extracts, BMDCs, mouse recombinant MIF antibodies, or IgG antibodies into the tail vein. Lastly, the severity of the liver injury and the number of DCs were assessed. RESULTS: The APAP-induced ALI mice had increased hepatic MIF expression but significantly lower amounts of hepatic DCs and apoptotic DCs than healthy mice; CD74 expression on the HDCs also increased markedly. Supplementing APAP-induced ALI mice with BMDCs or MIF antibodies significantly increased the number of hepatic DCs compared with the control mice, alleviating liver damage. CONCLUSION: The MIF/CD74 signaling pathway may mediate hepatic DC apoptosis and promote liver damage.

Efficacy of Moxa-burning heat stimulating Zusanli (ST36) and Shenshu (BL23) on expressions of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and macrophage apoptosis in rabbits with adjuvant-induced arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of moxa-burning heat stimulating acupoints Zusanli (ST36) and Shenshu (BL23) on macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its related molecules which can provide scientific experimental basis for the clinical application of moxibustion treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Thirty rabbits were randomly assigned to control group, RA model (established by injecting Freund's Complete Adjuvant) group (RA group) and RA model with moxibustion group [Moxa group, Zusanli (ST36) and Shenshu (BL23), 5 moxa pillars/day, 6 d × 3]. The expressions of MIF mRNA were evaluated with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; the apoptosis rates of macrophages were detected by erminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dTUP nick end labeling; the expressions of related signal molecules were detected with immunohistochemical S-P method and the levels of IL-2 were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The expressions of MIF mRNA, extracellular regulated protein kinases 2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κ-gene binding p65 in synovial tissue of RA group were significantly increased when compared with control group, which were lower remarkably in moxa group than those in RA group. The apoptosis rates of macrophages in RA group were significantly down-regulated as compared with the control group, which were up-regulated in moxa group compared with the RA group. The levels of IL-2 in synovial fluid from the RA group were elevated significantly as compared with that from control group, but those of the moxa group were reduced when compared with those from RA group. CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion may simultaneously regulate the expressions of MIF and its related signaling pathways molecules, the apoptosis rate of macrophages in synovial tissue, as well as the level of inflammatory factors in synovial fluid. The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of moxibustion on RA may be related to inhibit the expression of MIF in synovial tissue, the molecules of some related signaling pathways and promote the apoptosis of macrophage.

"Near Cure" treatment of severe acute EAE in MIF-1-deficient female and male mice with a bifunctional MHCII-derived molecular construct.

Our previous studies demonstrated increased serum levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF-1) and its homologue, MIF-2, in males during MS progression; and that genetically high-MIF-expressing male subjects with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) had a significantly greater risk of conversion to progressive MS than lower-MIF-expressing males and females. However, female MS subjects with severe disease expressed higher levels of CD74, the common MIF-1/MIF-2 receptor, on blood cells. In the murine model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), both male and female mice lacking MIF-1 and/or MIF-2 were clinically improved during development of moderately severe disease, thus implicating both homologs as co-pathogenic contributors. The current study using MIF-deficient mice with severe acute EAE revealed a highly significant reduction of EAE scores in MIF-1-deficient females, in contrast to only minor and delayed reduction of clinical signs in MIF-1-deficient males. However, clinical EAE scores and factor expression were strongly suppressed in males and further reduced in females after treatment of WT and MIF-1-, MIF-2- and MIF-1/2-DUAL-deficient female and male mice with a MHCII DRα1-MOG-35-55 molecular construct that competitively inhibits MIF-1 & MIF-2 signaling through CD74 as well as T cell activation. These results suggest sex-dependent differences in which the absence of the MIF-1 and/or MIF-2 genotypes may permit stronger compensatory CD74-dependent EAE-inducing responses in males than in females. However, EAE severity in both sexes could still be reduced nearly to background (a "near cure") with DRα1-MOG-35-55 blockade of compensatory MIF and CD74-dependent factors known to attract peripheral inflammatory cells into the spinal cord tissue.

Preliminary study on the expression of MIF in HCC tissues and its relationship with ERK1/2 signaling pathway / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To investigate the expression of Macrophage migration-inhibitory factors (MIF) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and its interaction with ERK1/2 signaling pathway, so as to establish a theoretical basis for further studying the molecular mechanism of MIF promoting HCC.Methods:From February 2020 to August 2021, 52 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues based on hepatitis B cirrhosis (HBV-LC) and 52 cases of adjacent tissues in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital and 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA were collected as the experimental group, including 39 males and 13 females, aged 35-65 years. And 20 cases of normal liver tissue were selected as the control group. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of MIF, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 proteins in liver tissues of the two groups, and in situ hybridization was used to detect the expression of ERK1/2 nucleic acid in liver tissues of the two groups.HepG2 HCC cells and L-02 normal hepatocytes were co-cultured with different concentrations of rMIF, the expression and phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and JNK1 proteins in the two kinds of liver cells were detected by Western-blot, and the expression levels of ERK1/2 nucleic acids in the two kinds of liver cells were detected by RT-PCR. One-way ANOVA was used for measurement data and χ 2 test was used for counting data. Results:The expressions of MIF, ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2 and ERK1/2 mRNA were significantly increased in HCC and para-cancer tissues (the expression of MIF in HCC group was 78.8%, and that in adjacent group was 75.0%; ERK1/2 80.8% in HCC group and ERK1/2 71.8% in paracancerous group. The expression of p-ERK1/2 75.0 % in HCC group and 46.2% in paracancerous group were respectively detected. ERK1/2 mRNA was expressed in HCC group 76.9%, ERK1/2 mRNA expression in paracancerous group 78.8%), and the differences were statistically significant compared with normal liver tissues ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between HCC and para-cancer tissues ( P>0.05). The expressions of ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2 and ERK1/2 mRNA in HepG2 HCC cells were significantly increased with the increase of rMIF concentration, and the increase was most obvious when rMIF concentration was 200 ng/ml, and the difference was statistically significant compared with L-02 normal hepatocytes ( P<0.05). Conclusion:MIF, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 are highly expressed in HCC tissues and HepG2 HCC cells, suggesting that MIF promotes the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma through ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor as a therapeutic target after traumatic spinal cord injury: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Macrophages play an important role in mediating damage after Spinal cord injury (SCI) by secreting macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MMIF) as a secondary injury mediator. We aimed to systematically review the role of MMIF as a therapeutic target after traumatic SCI. METHODS: Our systematic review has been performed according to the PRISMA 2009 Checklist. A systematic search in the scientific databases was carried out for studies published before 20 February 2019 from major databases. Two researchers independently screened titles. The risk of bias of eligible articles was assessed, and data were extracted. Finally, we systematically analyzed and interpreted related data. RESULTS: 785 papers were selected for the title and abstract screening. 12 papers were included for data extraction. Eight animal studies were of high quality and the remaining two were of medium quality. One of the two human studies was of poor quality and the other was of fair quality. MMIF as a pro-inflammatory mediator can cause increased susceptibility to glutamate-related neurotoxicity, increased nitrite production, increased ERK activation, and increased COX2/PGE2 signaling pathway activation and subsequent stimulation of CCL5-related chemotaxis. Two human studies and six animal studies demonstrated that MMIF level increases after SCI. MMIF inhibition might be a potential therapeutic target in SCI by multiple different mechanisms (6/12 studies). CONCLUSION: Most animal studies demonstrate significant neurologic improvement after administration of MMIF inhibitors, but these inhibitors have not been studied in humans yet. Further clinical trials are need to further understand MMIF inhibitor utility in acute or chronic SCI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Salivary alpha-1-antitrypsin and macrophage migration inhibitory factor may be potential prognostic biomarkers for oncologic treatment-induced severe oral mucositis.

AIMS: Evaluate the abundance of the selected targets, alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and correlate these findings with the risk of developing severe oral mucositis (OM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients submitted to radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) were assessed. OM grade and pain were evaluated daily during treatment. Two protein targets, A1AT and MIF, were evaluated, using selected reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (SRM-MS), in whole saliva, collected prior to oncologic treatment. The results obtained from the targeted proteomic analysis were correlated with OM clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients were included, of whom 21 (77.8%) had locally advanced disease (clinical stage III or IV). Most patients (70.4%) received CRT. OM grades 2 (40.8%) and 3 (33.3%) were the most prevalent during RT with a mean highest reported OM-related pain of 3.22 through the visual analogue scale (VAS). The abundance of A1AT and MIF correlated significantly with severe (grades 3 or 4, p < 0.02) compared with moderate-low (grades 1 or 2, p < 0.04) OM grade. CONCLUSIONS: There is a correlation between the abundance of salivary A1AT and MIF and oncologic treatment-induced OM. The correlation of MIF expression with severe OM appears to be compatible with its physiological pro-inflammatory role. These results open up great possibilities for the use of salivary MIF and A1AT levels as prognostic markers for effective therapeutic interventions, such as photobiomodulation therapy, patient-controlled analgesia, or personalized medicaments.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor antagonist (p425) ameliorates kidney histopathological and functional changes in diabetic rats / Antagonista (p425) do fator de inibição da migração de macrófagos (MIF) melhora as alterações histopatológicas e funcionais renais em ratos diabéticos

Abstract Introduction: It is hypothesized that increased macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression may contribute to diabetic nephropathy (DN) pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the renal effects of MIF inhibition in a diabetic experimental model. Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats (230 ± 20 g) were divided into three groups: 1) control, 2) diabetic (STZ, 50 mg/kg, dissolved in saline, ip), 3) diabetic + MIF antagonist (p425, 1 mg/kg per day, ip, on the 21th day, for 21 consecutive days). The treatment started since we founwd a significant increase in urine albumin excretion (UAE) rate in the diabetic rats in comparison with the control rats. The rats were kept individually in metabolic cages (8 AM-2 PM) and urine samples were collected in the 21 and 42th day. At the end, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical (BS, UPE, urine GAG, BUN, Cr, Na, and K) and histological analyses. Results: The results of this study showed that MIF antagonist (p425) significantly decreased urine protein and GAG excretion, urine protein/creatinine ratio, and serum BUN and Cr in the streptozotocin-induced DN in the rats. Pathological changes were significantly alleviated in the MIF antagonist (p425)-administered DN rats. Conclusion: Collectively, these data suggested that MIF antagonist (p425) was able to protect against functional and histopathological injury in the DN.

Resumo Introdução: Supõe-se que elevações da expressão do fator de inibição da migração de macrófagos (MIF) possam contribuir para a patogênese da nefropatia diabética (ND). O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os efeitos renais da inibição do MIF em um modelo experimental diabético. Métodos: Dezoito ratos Wistar machos (230 ± 20g) foram divididos em três grupos: 1) controle, 2) diabético (STZ 50 mg/kg dissolvida em soro fisiológico, IP), 3) diabético + antagonista do MIF (p425 1 mg/kg por dia IP no 21o dia por 21 dias consecutivos). O tratamento começou após a identificação de aumento significativo na albuminúria nos ratos diabéticos em relação aos controles. Os ratos foram mantidos individualmente em gaiolas metabólicas (8h-14h) e amostras de urina foram colhidas no 21o e no 42o dia. Ao final do estudo, amostras de sangue e tecido foram colhidas para análises bioquímicas (BS, excreção urinária de proteína, excreção urinária de GAGs, BUN, Cr, Na e K) e histológicas. Resultados: O presente estudo demonstrou que o antagonista do MIF (p425) diminuiu significativamente proteinúria, excreção urinária de GAGs , relação proteína/creatinina na urina, BUN e Cr no grupo com ND induzida por estreptozotocina. As alterações patológicas foram significativamente abrandadas nos ratos com ND que receberam antagonista do MIF (p425). Conclusão: Coletivamente, os dados sugerem que o antagonista do MIF (p425) teve efeito protetor contra lesões funcionais e histopatológicas da ND.

[Promoting migration and apoptosis of glioma cells by macrophage migration inhibitory factor].

Objective: To investigate the effect of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on the biology of glioma U87MG and U251 cells. Methods: Silencing MIF gene expression in U87MG cells by RNA interference was monitored by Western blot. MIF low expressing U251 cells were treated at different concentrations of recombinant human MIF (rhMIF) and scratching test and flow cytometry were used to detect cell migration and apoptosis. The protein expression of bcl-2, bax, AKT, p-AKT was detected by Western blot. Results: The ability of migration and anti-apoptosis of U87MG cells silenced by siRNA decreased significantly, and the expression levels of p-AKT and anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 also decreased; in contrast, the expression level of apoptosis protein bax increased. With increase of rhMIF treatment concentration, the expression levels of MIF protein, p-AKT and bcl-2 in U251 cells were gradually enhanced, whereas the level of apoptosis protein bax was inhibited. Conclusion: MIF promotes cell migration and inhibits apoptosis of both U87MG and U251 cells, likely through the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

MIF in kidney diseases : A story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

BACKGROUND: Macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine best known for its proinflammatory and disease-aggravating role in a number of conditions, including atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, sepsis, and glomerulonephritides. OBJECTIVES: In our studies we aimed to define the role of MIF on local renal resident cells, in particular the renal epithelium. RESULTS: We have shown that MIF exerts local effects on glomerular cells, in particular the parietal epithelial cells and mesangial cells, promoting their pathological proliferation and aggravating disease course of a murine model of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis. In contrast, in a large set of animal and in vitro experiments, we have shown that in the setting of chronic kidney disease, MIF had an unexpected and potent antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effect. This was mediated by enhanced regeneration and reduced cell-cycle arrest of tubular epithelial cells. Finally, in a combined approach using clinical studies, animal models, and in vitro experiments, we have shown that MIF is also renoprotective in the setting of acute kidney injury. In this setting, MIF-modulated programmed cell death of tubular cells and thereby reduced necroinflammation and kidney injury. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, MIF has a dual role in kidney diseases, promoting (auto)immune glomerular diseases and limiting tubular cell injury in the setting of acute and chronic kidney diseases. These data suggest potential safety issues of systemic MIF targeted therapies, but also open new therapeutic options by targeting MIF or its analogues to tubular cells.

Promoting migration and apoptosis of glioma cells by macrophage migration inhibitory factor / 中华病理学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effect of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on the biology of glioma U87MG and U251 cells.@*Methods@#Silencing MIF gene expression in U87MG cells by RNA interference was monitored by Western blot. MIF low expressing U251 cells were treated at different concentrations of recombinant human MIF (rhMIF) and scratching test and flow cytometry were used to detect cell migration and apoptosis. The protein expression of bcl-2, bax, AKT, p-AKT was detected by Western blot.@*Results@#The ability of migration and anti-apoptosis of U87MG cells silenced by siRNA decreased significantly, and the expression levels of p-AKT and anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 also decreased; in contrast, the expression level of apoptosis protein bax increased. With increase of rhMIF treatment concentration, the expression levels of MIF protein, p-AKT and bcl-2 in U251 cells were gradually enhanced, whereas the level of apoptosis protein bax was inhibited.@*Conclusion@#MIF promotes cell migration and inhibits apoptosis of both U87MG and U251 cells, likely through the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Clinical application of combined detection of serum mcrophage inhibitory cytokine-1, carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigens for the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer in the elderly / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To explore the application value of combined detection of serum macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1),carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigens in the diagnosis and prognosis of elderly patients with colorectal cancer.172 elderly patients with colorectal cancer were selected retrospectively as the observation group,175 elderly patients with benign colorectal lesions were enrolled as the benign lesion group and 166 healthy elderly subjects as the control group.Methods The levels of MIC-1,CEA,carbohydrate antigens of 199(CA199),724 (CA724),242 (CA242),125 (CA125),and 50 (CA50) were compared among the three groups,and the diagnostic efficacy was calculated.The difference in the above-mentioned indicators between patients with different stages and prognosis in the observation group were compared.Results Levels of MIC-1,CEA,CA199,CA242,CA724,CA125 and CA50 were higher in the observation group than in the benign lesion group and the control group,and the above indexes were higher in the benign lesion group than in the control group.The sensitivity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MIC-1 were the highest in single index test (68.6 ％,72.8％ and 84.6 ％,respectively).The specificity of CA199 was the highest(91.2 ％).The combined detections greatly improved sensitivity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value(89.0％,79.3％ and 94.1 ％,respectively).In the observation group,levels of MIC-1,CEA,CA199,CA242,CA724,CA125 and CA50 in the elderly colorectal cancer patients were higher in stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ than in stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ.The levels of MIC-1,CEA,CA199,CA242,CA724,CA125 and CA50 in elderly patients with recurrence and metastasis of colorectal cancer were higher than those in patients without recurrence and metastasis.Conclusions Combined detection of multiple indicators can improve the sensitivity of diagnosis,and is more conducive to the early diagnosis of elderly patients with colorectal cancer.

Clinical application of combined detection of serum macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1, carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigens for the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer in the elderly / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective@#To explore the application value of combined detection of serum macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1(MIC-1), carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)and carbohydrate antigens in the diagnosis and prognosis of elderly patients with colorectal cancer.172 elderly patients with colorectal cancer were selected retrospectively as the observation group, 175 elderly patients with benign colorectal lesions were enrolled as the benign lesion group and 166 healthy elderly subjects as the control group.@*Methods@#The levels of MIC-1, CEA, carbohydrate antigens of 199(CA199), 724(CA724), 242(CA242), 125(CA125), and 50(CA50)were compared among the three groups, and the diagnostic efficacy was calculated.The difference in the above-mentioned indicators between patients with different stages and prognosis in the observation group were compared.@*Results@#Levels of MIC-1, CEA, CA199, CA242, CA724, CA125 and CA50 were higher in the observation group than in the benign lesion group and the control group, and the above indexes were higher in the benign lesion group than in the control group.The sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MIC-1 were the highest in single index test(68.6%, 72.8% and 84.6%, respectively). The specificity of CA199 was the highest(91.2%). The combined detections greatly improved sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value(89.0%, 79.3% and 94.1%, respectively). In the observation group, levels of MIC-1, CEA, CA199, CA242, CA724, CA125 and CA50 in the elderly colorectal cancer patients were higher in stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ than in stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ.The levels of MIC-1, CEA, CA199, CA242, CA724, CA125 and CA50 in elderly patients with recurrence and metastasis of colorectal cancer were higher than those in patients without recurrence and metastasis.@*Conclusions@#Combined detection of multiple indicators can improve the sensitivity of diagnosis, and is more conducive to the early diagnosis of elderly patients with colorectal cancer.

[MIF in kidney diseases : A story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (German version)]. / MIF in Nierenerkrankungen : Eine Geschichte über Dr. Jekyll und Mr. Hyde.

BACKGROUND: Macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine best known for its proinflammatory and disease-aggravating role in a number of conditions, including atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, sepsis, and glomerulonephritides. OBJECTIVES: In our studies we aimed to define the role of MIF on local renal resident cells, in particular the renal epithelium. RESULTS: We have shown that MIF exerts local effects on glomerular cells, in particular the parietal epithelial cells and mesangial cells, promoting their pathological proliferation and aggravating disease course of a murine model of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis. In contrast, in a large set of animal and in vitro experiments, we have shown that in the setting of chronic kidney disease, MIF had an unexpected and potent antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effect. This was mediated by enhanced regeneration and reduced cell-cycle arrest of tubular epithelial cells. Finally, in a combined approach using clinical studies, animal models, and in vitro experiments, we have shown that MIF is also renoprotective in the setting of acute kidney injury. In this setting, MIF-modulated programmed cell death of tubular cells and thereby reduced necroinflammation and kidney injury. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, MIF has a dual role in kidney diseases, promoting (auto)immune glomerular diseases and limiting tubular cell injury in the setting of acute and chronic kidney diseases. These data suggest potential safety issues of systemic MIF targeted therapies, but also open new therapeutic options by targeting MIF or its analogues to tubular cells.

The effects of systemic steroid therapy on macrophage migration inhibitory factor concentrations in patients with nasal polyps.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor concentrations before and after oral steroid therapy in nasal polyps patients, and determine whether there is a difference between pre-treatment macrophage migration inhibitory factor concentrations and healthy individuals. METHODS: The study included 24 patients with nasal polyps and 25 healthy individuals. The patient group received 1 mg/kg oral steroid. RESULTS: The mean macrophage migration inhibitory factor concentration before oral steroid therapy was 3889.79 pg/ml in the patient group and 2334.52 pg/ml in the control group. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor concentrations were statistically significantly higher in the pre-oral steroid therapy patient group than in the control group (p = 0.017). The mean pre- and post-oral steroid therapy serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor concentrations were 3889.79 pg/ml and 2451.25 pg/ml, respectively. The reduction in macrophage migration inhibitory factor concentrations was statistically significant (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that concentrations of macrophage migration inhibitory factor may play a role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor as an incriminating agent in vitiligo

Abstract: Background: Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder in which the loss of melanocytes is mainly attributed to defective autoimmune mechanisms and, lately, there has been more emphasis on autoinflammatory mediators. Among these is the macrophage migration inhibitory factor, which is involved in many autoimmune skin diseases. However, little is known about the contribution of this factor to vitiligo vulgaris. Objective: To determine the hypothesized role of migration inhibitory factor in vitiligo via estimation of serum migration inhibitory factor levels and migration inhibitory factor mRNA concentrations in patients with vitiligo compared with healthy controls. We also aimed to assess whether there is a relationship between the values of serum migration inhibitory factor and/or migration inhibitory factor mRNA with disease duration, clinical type and severity in vitiligo patients. Methods: Evaluation of migration inhibitory factor serum level and migration inhibitory factor mRNA expression by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively, were performed for 50 patients with different degrees of vitiligo severity and compared to 15 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers as controls. Results: There was a highly significant increase in serum migration inhibitory factor and migration inhibitory factor mRNA levels in vitiligo cases when compared to controls (p<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between both serum migration inhibitory factor and migration inhibitory factor mRNA concentrations in vitiligo patients, and each of them with duration and severity of vitiligo. In addition, patients with generalized vitiligo have significantly elevated serum migration inhibitory factor and mRNA levels than control subjects. Study limitations: Small number of investigated subjects. Conclusions: Migration inhibitory factor may have an active role in the development of vitiligo, and it may also be a useful index of disease severity. Consequently, migration inhibitory factor may be a new treatment target for vitiligo patients.

Relationship between MIF expression and obese-induced abolition of sevoflurane preconditioning-in-duced cardioprotection in mice / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the relationship between macrophage migration inhibitory factor ( MIF) expression and obese-induced abolition of sevoflurane preconditioning-induced cardioprotection in mice. Methods Forty-eight male C57BL∕6J mice, aged 4 weeks, were divided into 2 groups ( n=24 each) using a random number table method: normal diet group ( Lean group ) and high-fat diet group ( Obese group) . Lean group were fed a normal diet ( 10％ kcal) for 12 weeks, while Obese group were fed a high-fat diet ( 60％ kcal) for 12 weeks. The weight of mice was measured. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein for determination of blood glucose concentrations, and plasma concentrations of total cho-lesterol, triglyceride, insulin and leptin. After measurement of the parameters mentioned above, Lean group and Obese group were divided into 3 subgroups ( n=8 each) using a random number table method:sham operation groups (L-Sham group, O-Sham group), myocardial ischemia-reperfusion groups (L-IR group, O-IR group) and sevoflurane preconditioning groups (L-IR+Sev group, O-IR+Sev group). The mice were anesthetized and their hearts were immediately removed and retrogradely perfused in a Langendorff apparatus with an oxygenated K-H solution at 37 ℃. Hearts were continuously perfused with K-H solution for 115 min in L-Sham and O-Sham groups. Hearts were subjected to global ischemia for 25 min, followed by 60-min reperfusion after being retrogradely perfused with K-H solution in L-IR and O-IR groups. In L-IR+Sev and O-IR+Sev groups, hearts were subjected to 3 cycles of 5-min perfusion with sevoflurane-contai-ning K-H solution ( final concentration 0. 6 mmol∕L) and 5-min washout, and then hearts were subjected to global ischemia for 25 min, followed by 60-min reperfusion. Left ventricular developed pressure ( LVDP ) , left ventricular end-diastolic pressure ( LVEDP ) , and the maximum rate of increase or decrease in left ventricular pressure ( ±dp∕dtmax) were recorded at the end of reperfusion. Hearts were obtained at the end of reperfusion for determination of myocardial infarct size and expression of MIF ( by Western blot) . Results Compared with Lean group, the weight, blood glucose, levels of plasma total cholesterol, tri-glyceride, insulin and leptin were significantly increased in Obese group (P<0. 05). Compared with L-Sham group, the LVDP and +dp∕dtmax were significantly decreased, LVEDP and -dp∕dtmax were in-creased, myocardial infarct size was increased, and the expression of myocardial MIF was up-regulated in L-IR and L-IR+Sev groups, and the expression of myocardial MIF was up-regulated in O-Sham group ( P<0. 05) . Compared with L-IR group, LVDP and +dp∕dtmax were significantly increased, LVEDP and-dp∕dtmax were decreased, myocardial infarct size was decreased, and the expression of myocardial MIF was up-regulated in group L-IR+Sev, and the expression of myocardial MIF was significantly up-regulated in group O-IR (P<0. 05). Compared with O-Sham group, LVDP and +dp∕dtmax were significantly de-creased, LVEDP and-dp∕dtmax were increased, and myocardial infarct size was increased, and no signif-icant change was found in the expression of MIF in O-IR and O-IR+Sev groups ( P>0. 05) . Conclusion The mechanism by which obese abolishes sevoflurane preconditioning-induced cardioprotection may be relat-ed to inducing MIF over-expression in mice.

The effect of abdominal Bevacizumab combined with hyperthermia chemotherapy on serum transforming growth factor beta 1 and migration-inhibitory factor levels in elderly patients with ovarian cancer / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of abdominal Bevacizumab combined with hyperthermia chemotherapy on serum transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) and macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) levels in elderly patients with ovarian cancer.Methods A hundred elderly patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer from December 2011 to December 2014 at our hospital were recruited.Participants were assigned into a joint therapy group (n =50) and a thermal therapy group (n =50) according to the received treatment.Both groups were given the abdominal hyperthermia chemotherapy treatment,while the joint therapy group was additionally given Bevacizumab treatment.The effectiveness of treatment,adverse reactions,pre-and post-treatment serum TGF-β1 and MIF levels,and the 2-year survival situation in all participants were collected and analyzed.Results The therapeutic response rate and 2-year survival rate in the joint therapy group (64.0％ and 60.0％) were significantly higher than those in the thermal therapy group (44.0％ and 40.0％) (both P ＜ 0.05).There were statistically significant differences between pre-and posttreatment levels of serum TGF-β1 [(346.15 ± 35.15) ng/L vs.(201.46 ± 23.75) ng/L] and MIF [(46.32±5.16)μg/L vs.(13.48±2.45)μg/L] in the thermal therapy group,and of serum TGF-β1 [(342.26±35.01) ng/L vs.(167.52±20.26) ng/L] and MIF [(46.97±5.24)μg/L vs.(4.87±1.02)μg/L] in the joint therapy group,with greater reductions observed in the joint therapy group (P＜0.05).No significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Abdominal Bevacizumab combined with hyperthermia chemotherapy can effectively decrease the levels of serum TGF-β1 and MIF in elderly patients with ovarian cancer and achieve improved short-term and long-term effectiveness with good safety.

Association of macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene polymorphisms with chronic periodontitis in a South Eastern Iranian population.

BACKGROUND: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a key proinflammatory mediator. It plays a vital role in immune response against the oral disease. MIF is a regulator of innate immunity, and bacterial antigens can stimulate serum level of this protein. In experimental gingivitis, the expression level of MIF increases and this increment positively correlates with oral plaque index. The single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene encoding the MIF protein can control the function of MIF. The aim of the present study was a clarification of the associations between MIF-173 G/C, MIF 95 bp, and 189 bp insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms and chronic periodontitis (CP) compared with healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study was carried out on 210 CP patients and 100 normal subjects. MIF-173 G/C and MIF 95 bp and 189 bp I/D polymorphisms were genotyped, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and PCR, respectively. Allele and genotype frequencies of the variants were compared between patients and controls using Chi-square. test. The value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study findings showed that MIF-173 G/C polymorphism, especially the C allele increased the risk of CP. The 95-bp I/D polymorphism was not associated with CP and the 185-bp I/D variant was not polymorphic in our population. CONCLUSION: Therefore, MIF-137 G/C variant increased the risk of CP in the South East of the Iranian population. In other words, polymorphisms in MIF gene influence clinical outcome of CP infection and influence the susceptibility to disease. Further studies with larger sample sizes and different ethnicities are required to validate our findings.

The Association of Higher Plasma Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Levels with Lower Bone Mineral Density and Higher Bone Turnover Rate in Postmenopausal Women.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence from animal and clinical studies showing the detrimental effects of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on bone metabolism, there are no clinical studies relating circulating MIF levels to osteoporosis-related phenotypes. This cross-sectional study investigated the association of plasma MIF with bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers (BTMs), and prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal Korean women. METHODS: A total of 246 women not taking any medications or diagnosed with any diseases that could affect bone metabolism were enrolled. BMD values at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total femur, and blood levels of MIF and BTMs were measured in all subjects. Osteoporosis was defined by World Health Organization criteria. RESULTS: Before and after adjustment for confounding variables, higher MIF levels were significantly associated with lower BMD values at all measured sites and higher levels of all BTMs. All BMD values and BTMs significantly changed in a dose-dependent fashion across increasing MIF quartile. When participants were divided into two groups according to osteoporosis status, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis demonstrated 24.2% higher plasma MIF levels than those without osteoporosis (P=0.041). The odds ratio per each standard deviation increment of MIF levels for prevalent osteoporosis was 1.32 (95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.73). CONCLUSION: This study provides the first epidemiological evidence that higher plasma MIF may be associated with higher risk of osteoporosis resulting from lower bone mass and higher bone turnover rate, and thus it could be a potential biomarker of poor bone health outcomes in postmenopausal women.