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Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor and microRNA-451a in Response to Mindfulness-based Therapy or Treatment as

Xiao Wang1, Kristina Sundquist1, Karolina Palmér1

  • 1Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University/Region Skåne, Sweden.

The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
|January 27, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Psychiatric patients showed decreased macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) after therapy, but this did not correlate with symptom improvement. MIF and microRNA-451a levels were associated, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine linked to psychiatric disorders.
  • MicroRNA-451a (miR-451a) regulates MIF expression.
  • The roles of MIF and miR-451a in psychiatric patients undergoing therapy are largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the levels of MIF and miR-451a in patients with depression, anxiety, or stress and adjustment disorders.
  • To examine the relationship between MIF, miR-451a, and psychotherapeutic interventions.

Main Methods:

  • 168 patients from a randomized controlled trial comparing mindfulness-based therapy and treatment as usual were analyzed.
  • Plasma MIF and miR-451a levels were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks using Luminex assay and qPCR.

Main Results:

  • MIF levels significantly decreased posttreatment, while miR-451a levels showed no significant change.
  • MIF levels were inversely associated with miR-451a at baseline and showed a significant association in change over time.
  • Neither MIF nor miR-451a changes correlated with improvements in psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Psychotherapeutic interventions led to decreased MIF levels in psychiatric patients, independent of symptom improvement.
  • A significant association between MIF and miR-451a was observed, suggesting a regulatory relationship.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between MIF, miR-451a, and psychiatric disorders.

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