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Midkine in inflammatory and toxic conditions

Nuray Yazihan1

  • 1Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Pathophysiology Department, Morphology Building, 06100 Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey. nurayyazihan@yahoo.com

Current Drug Delivery
|September 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Midkine (MK), a cytokine and growth factor, plays crucial roles in cell functions and is implicated in various diseases. This review explores its protective and immune-modulatory functions in different disease models.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Midkine (MK) is a cytokine and growth factor involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, adhesion, and migration.
  • MK expression is upregulated during ischemia, inflammation, tissue repair, neoplastic transformation, and toxic conditions.
  • Both immune cells and most organs secrete MK throughout fetal and adult life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the cell protective and immune-modulatory roles of Midkine (MK).
  • To examine MK's involvement in various in vitro and in vivo disease models and human studies.
  • To highlight MK as a potential prognostic/diagnostic marker and therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies.
  • Analysis of human reports on Midkine (MK) expression and function.
  • Synthesis of data on MK's roles in disease etiology and progression.

Main Results:

  • Midkine (MK) demonstrates significant cell protective effects across various disease contexts.
  • MK exhibits potent immune-modulatory functions, influencing inflammatory responses.
  • Elevated MK levels are associated with numerous diseases, including malignancies and inflammatory conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Midkine (MK) is a novel molecule with critical roles in organ development and disease pathogenesis.
  • MK's dual functions in cell protection and immune modulation make it a promising target for therapeutic intervention.
  • Further research into Midkine (MK) is warranted for its diagnostic and prognostic potential in various diseases.

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