Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Three-dimensional Confocal Analysis of Microglia/macrophage Markers of Polarization in Experimental Brain Injury
Published on: September 4, 2013
Trauma patients with positive cultures have higher levels of circulating macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)
P C Joshi1, G V Poole, V Sachdev
1Department of Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216, USA.
Abstract:
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pituitary "stress" hormone that plays a critical role in the host immune response. The aims of the study were to determine whether MIF was detectable in the circulation of trauma patients, to assess whether MIF levels were associated with injury severity, days post injury, infection, and to examine concentrations of other pro-inflammatory cytokines in circulation. We collected plasma samples from 35 trauma (multiple injury) patients and 18 healthy controls. Concentrations of MIF, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 were measured by ELISA. Average MIF concentration in plasma of trauma patients was 14 fold higher than that of healthy controls (19,439+/-2,615 pg/ml in trauma vs 1,337+/-286 pg/ml in control; p=0.0002). There was no correlation between MIF values and injury severity score or days post injury. Average level of IL-6 in trauma patients was 587+/-85 pg/ml but was not correlated with MIF concentration. TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were not detectable in trauma patients or healthy controls. Higher MIF levels were associated with positive cultures (blood, urine, sputum, wound). These data suggest that MIF may be a possible indicator of infection in trauma patients.
Insights
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is elevated in trauma patients, indicating potential infection. Higher MIF levels correlated with positive cultures, suggesting its use as an infection marker.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Trauma Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a crucial pituitary hormone involved in immune responses.
- Trauma can significantly impact the immune system and hormone levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect circulating Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in trauma patients.
- To correlate MIF levels with injury severity, recovery time, and infection.
- To measure other pro-inflammatory cytokines in trauma patients.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from 35 trauma patients and 18 healthy controls.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify MIF, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6.
- Injury Severity Score (ISS) and days post-injury were recorded.
Main Results:
- MIF concentrations were 14-fold higher in trauma patients compared to controls (p=0.0002).
- No correlation was found between MIF levels and injury severity or days post-injury.
- Elevated MIF levels were associated with positive microbial cultures from blood, urine, sputum, or wounds.
- IL-6 was elevated in trauma patients but not correlated with MIF; TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were undetectable.
Conclusions:
- Circulating MIF is significantly elevated in trauma patients.
- MIF may serve as a potential biomarker for detecting infection in trauma patients.
- Further research is warranted to explore MIF's role in trauma-induced inflammation and infection.
