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Updated: May 21, 2026
Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation
Published on: April 3, 2017
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor is elevated in obese adolescents
Uran Kamchybekov1, Hans R Figulla, Norbert Gerdes
1Friedrich-Schiller-University, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Jena, Germany.
Objectives:
The prevalence of obesity in childhood and adolescence is continuing rising. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) participates in inflammatory and immune responses as a pro-inflammatory cytokine. The present study aimed to investigate MIF in overweight adolescents.
Methods:
Seventy-nine male adolescents were enrolled. Thirty-eight were overweight according to the 90th%ile of the age-specific waist circumference. Various parameters were recorded at one visit, including body mass index. MIF was determined using multiplex immune-assay technology.
Results:
Overweight adolescents had increased systolic blood pressure and CRP levels. Furthermore, increased circulating MIF concentrations were observed (Median: 964.6 pg/ml, Interquartile range: 590.3-2019.4 versus Median: 562.7 pg/ml, Interquartile range: 430.6-813.7, p = 0.003). Increased MIF concentrations were associated with increased markers of inflammation and obesity.
Conclusions:
We demonstrated elevated MIF levels in obese adolescents. Taken together with other markers, this indicates the presence of low-grade inflammation in these young subjects, possibly representing a link between obesity and related co-morbidities.
Insights
Obese adolescents exhibit elevated levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a pro-inflammatory cytokine. This finding suggests a link between childhood obesity, inflammation, and potential health complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Childhood and adolescent obesity prevalence is increasing globally.
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in immune responses.
- Understanding inflammatory markers in pediatric obesity is crucial for managing associated health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in overweight adolescents.
- To explore the association between MIF concentrations and markers of inflammation and obesity in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 79 male adolescents was studied.
- Participants were classified as overweight based on age-specific waist circumference (90th percentile).
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels were quantified using multiplex immune-assay technology.
Main Results:
- Overweight adolescents presented with elevated systolic blood pressure and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
- Significantly higher circulating MIF concentrations were observed in overweight adolescents compared to controls (p = 0.003).
- Increased MIF levels correlated with heightened markers of inflammation and obesity.
Conclusions:
- Elevated macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels are evident in obese adolescents.
- These findings indicate the presence of low-grade inflammation in overweight youth.
- Elevated MIF may represent a key link between adolescent obesity and its related co-morbidities.
