Macrophage migration inhibitory factor, a role in COPD
Gunnar R Husebø1, Per S Bakke2, Rune Grønseth3
1Department of Thoracic Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen Norway; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; gunnar.husebo@med.uib.no.
Abstract:
Macrophage migration inhibitor factor (MIF) is a pluripotent cytokine associated with several different inflammatory conditions, but its role within lung inflammation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear. This study aimed to examine MIF in both stable COPD and during acute exacerbations (AECOPD). The study included 433 patients with COPD aged 41-76 and 325 individuals from the Bergen COPD cohort study who served as controls. All patients had an FEV1 of <80% predicted, FEV1/FVC ratio of <0.7, and a smoking history >10 pack-years. Serum levels of MIF were compared between the two groups at baseline, and for 149 patients, measurements were also carried out during AECOPD. Linear regression models were fitted with MIF as the outcome variable and adjusted for sex, age, body composition, smoking, and Charlson Comorbidity Score (CCS). Median MIF (interquartile range) in patients with COPD was 20.1 ng/ml (13.5-30.9) compared with 14.9 ng/ml (11.1-21.6) in controls (P < 0.01). MIF was bivariately associated with sex, body composition, and CCS (P < 0.05 for all). In the regression analyses, MIF was significantly higher in patients with COPD, coefficient 1.32 (P < 0.01) and 1.30 (P < 0.01) unadjusted and adjusted, respectively. In addition, in 149 patients during episodes of AECOPD, MIF was significantly elevated, with a median of 23.2 ng/ml (14.1-42.3) compared with measurements at stable disease of 19.3 ng/ml (12.4-31.3, P < 0.01). Serum levels of MIF were significantly higher in patients with COPD compared with controls. We also identified an additional increase in MIF levels during episodes of AECOPD.
Insights
Serum levels of Macrophage Migration Inhibitor Factor (MIF) are significantly elevated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and increase further during acute exacerbations (AECOPD). This highlights MIF
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Macrophage Migration Inhibitor Factor (MIF) is a cytokine implicated in inflammatory conditions.
- The specific role of MIF in lung inflammation and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum MIF levels in patients with stable COPD compared to healthy controls.
- To assess changes in MIF levels during acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD).
Main Methods:
- Serum MIF levels were measured in 433 COPD patients and 325 controls.
- MIF levels were re-evaluated in 149 COPD patients during AECOPD.
- Linear regression models adjusted for covariates were employed.
Main Results:
- COPD patients exhibited significantly higher serum MIF levels than controls (20.1 vs 14.9 ng/ml).
- MIF levels were significantly elevated during AECOPD compared to stable COPD (23.2 vs 19.3 ng/ml).
- MIF levels showed associations with sex, body composition, and Charlson Comorbidity Score.
Conclusions:
- Serum MIF is significantly elevated in COPD patients.
- MIF levels increase further during AECOPD, suggesting a role in disease exacerbation.
- These findings indicate MIF as a potential biomarker for COPD activity and exacerbations.
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