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Updated: May 31, 2026
Coculture Assays to Study Macrophage and Microglia Stimulation of Glioblastoma Invasion
Published on: October 20, 2016
Elevated expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor correlates with tumor recurrence and poor prognosis of
Xiao-Bing Wang1, Xiao-Ying Tian, Yang Li
1Department of Pathology, Guangdong General Hospital, 106, Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. We aim to examine the association of MIF with tumor recurrence and survival of gliomas, and to determine whether MIF is a valuable prognostic predictor for glioma patients. The expression of MIF and interleukin 8 (IL-8) was evaluated in 36 high-grade gliomas (20 glioblastoma multiforme, 13 anaplastic astrocytoma, and 3 anaplastic oligoastrocytoma) and 32 low-grade gliomas (18 fibrillary astrocytoma, 5 pilocytic astrocytoma, 5 oligodendroglioma, 3 ependymoma and 1 pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma) by immunostaining. Intratumoral microvessel density (IMD) of tumors in relation to immunostainings and clinicopathological factors were analyzed statistically as well as the follow-up data of patients. High expression of both MIF (58.8%) and IL-8 (52.9%) was significantly associated with high-grade gliomas and increased microvessels in tumors, but only high expression of MIF was closely related to tumor recurrence (P = 0.001). High expression of IL-8 exhibited a close correlation with high expression of MIF in tumors (P = 0.001). Histological grading, high expression of MIF and IL-8 correlated with patients' overall survival in univariate analysis. However, only histological grading and MIF expression exhibited a relationship with survival of patients as independent prognostic factors of glioma by multivariate analysis; the hazard ratios were 28.012 (P = 0.001) and 11.782 (P = 0.001), respectively. Elevated production of MIF in glioma tumor cells may contribute to tumor recurrence and a worse prognosis. MIF may serve as an independent predictive factor for prognosis of glioma patients.
Insights
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is linked to glioma recurrence and poor survival. High MIF expression predicts worse outcomes, suggesting it is a valuable prognostic factor for glioma patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is implicated in tumorigenesis.
- Gliomas are primary brain tumors with varying prognoses.
- Identifying reliable prognostic markers is crucial for glioma patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MIF expression and glioma recurrence and survival.
- To determine if MIF is a valuable prognostic predictor in glioma patients.
Main Methods:
- Immunostaining was used to evaluate MIF and IL-8 expression in 68 gliomas (36 high-grade, 32 low-grade).
- Intratumoral microvessel density (IMD) was assessed.
- Statistical analysis, including univariate and multivariate analyses, was performed on clinicopathological factors and patient follow-up data.
Main Results:
- High MIF and IL-8 expression were significantly associated with high-grade gliomas and increased IMD.
- High MIF expression strongly correlated with tumor recurrence (P = 0.001).
- Both histological grading and MIF expression were identified as independent prognostic factors for glioma survival (HR=28.012, P=0.001 for grading; HR=11.782, P=0.001 for MIF).
Conclusions:
- Elevated MIF production in glioma cells contributes to tumor recurrence and poorer prognosis.
- MIF serves as an independent predictive factor for glioma patient prognosis.
- MIF is a potential therapeutic target for improving glioma outcomes.
