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Obesity, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, and weight loss

T S Church1, M S Willis, E L Priest

  • 1The Cooper Institute, 12330 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230, USA. tschurch@cooperinst.org

International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|March 30, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Weight loss programs significantly reduce elevated macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels in obese individuals. This reduction in MIF is linked to improved health markers, including better beta-cell function.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Elevated macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and cancer.
  • Obesity is a risk factor for numerous health conditions, including CVD, diabetes, and cancer.
  • The relationship between MIF and obesity, and the impact of weight loss on MIF levels, remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between obesity and serum MIF concentrations.
  • To examine the effect of a behavior-based weight loss program on MIF levels in obese individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-one severely obese participants (BMI=43.0+/-8.6) in a weight management program were studied.
  • Plasma MIF concentrations and clinical risk factors were measured before and after an 8.5-month diet and physical activity intervention.
  • Average weight loss was 14.4 kg.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements were observed in most clinical risk factors post-intervention.
  • Median plasma MIF concentrations decreased significantly from 8.4 [4.3-48.8] at baseline to 5.1 [3.6-10.3] at follow-up (P=0.0005).
  • The proportion of participants with high MIF levels (> or =19.5 mg/nl) dropped from 33.8% to 5.6% (P<0.001).
  • Elevated baseline MIF correlated with beta-cell dysfunction; MIF reduction correlated with improved beta-cell function.

Conclusions:

  • Obese individuals often exhibit elevated circulating MIF, though not uniformly.
  • Dietary and physical activity-focused weight management programs can substantially reduce MIF levels in obese individuals with elevated concentrations.
  • Weight loss interventions show promise for mitigating risks associated with obesity and elevated MIF.

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