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Macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene polymorphism is associated with psoriasis
Rachelle P Donn1, Darren Plant, Francine Jury
1Arthritis Research Campaign Epidemiology Unit, Stopford Building, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Abstract:
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), an important pro-inflammatory cytokine, is over-expressed in plaques of psoriasis and increased levels are found in the sera of patients with psoriasis. Promoter polymorphisms of the MIF gene are associated with increased production of MIF and have been found to confer increased risk of susceptibility to chronic inflammatory diseases. We investigated whether there is an association between promoter polymorphisms of the MIF gene and chronic plaque psoriasis. Two hundred and twenty-eight UK caucasian patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, and a control panel of 401 UK caucasian normal volunteers were studied. MIF promoter polymorphisms were genotyped by allelic discrimination, or by a fluorescently labeled primer method, and capillary gel electrophoresis. Carriage of either the MIF-173*C polymorphism or the MIF CATT(7) polymorphism was positively correlated with psoriasis (odds ratios (OR) 1.52 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.05-2.19 (p=0.024) and OR 1.67 95% CI 1.1-2.5 (p=0.013), respectively. The OR for presence of the CATT(7)-MIF-173(*)C haplotype versus all other haplotypes combined was 1.69 95% CI 1.2-2.5 (p=0.008). The results provide evidence for polymorphisms in the MIF gene, and in particular the CATT(7)-MIF-173(*)C haplotype, being of importance in susceptibility to psoriasis.
Insights
Genetic variations in the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene, specifically the MIF-173*C and CATT(7) polymorphisms, are linked to an increased risk of developing chronic plaque psoriasis. The combined CATT(7)-MIF-173(*)C haplotype significantly increases susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine.
- Elevated MIF levels and overexpression in psoriatic plaques are observed in psoriasis patients.
- MIF gene promoter polymorphisms are linked to increased MIF production and susceptibility to inflammatory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MIF gene promoter polymorphisms and chronic plaque psoriasis susceptibility.
- To determine if specific MIF gene variants contribute to the risk of developing psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of MIF promoter polymorphisms (MIF-173*C and CATT(7)) in 228 UK Caucasian psoriasis patients and 401 controls.
- Analysis using allelic discrimination, fluorescently labeled primer method, and capillary gel electrophoresis.
- Statistical analysis of genotype and haplotype frequencies to assess correlation with psoriasis.
Main Results:
- Carriage of the MIF-173*C polymorphism showed a positive correlation with psoriasis (OR 1.52, p=0.024).
- Carriage of the MIF CATT(7) polymorphism was also positively correlated with psoriasis (OR 1.67, p=0.013).
- The CATT(7)-MIF-173(*)C haplotype demonstrated a significant association with psoriasis susceptibility (OR 1.69, p=0.008).
Conclusions:
- Polymorphisms in the MIF gene are important factors in psoriasis susceptibility.
- The CATT(7)-MIF-173(*)C haplotype specifically confers increased risk for developing chronic plaque psoriasis.
- These findings highlight the role of MIF gene variations in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
