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Published on: June 7, 2017
Plasma Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Predicts Graft Function Following Kidney Transplantation: A Prospective
Yongrong Ye1, Fei Han1, Maolin Ma1
1Division of Kidney Transplantation, Organ Transplantation Research Institution, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Background: Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common complication after kidney transplantation (KT) with a poor clinical outcome. There are no accurate biomarkers for the early prediction of DGF. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) release during surgery plays a key role in protecting the kidney, and may be a potential biomarker for predicting post-transplant renal allograft recovery. Methods: Recipients who underwent KT between July 2020 and December 2020 were enrolled in the study. Plasma MIF levels were tested in recipients at different time points, and the correlation between plasma MIF and DGF in recipients was evaluated. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000035596). Results: Intraoperative MIF levels were different between immediate, slowed, and delayed graft function groups (7.26 vs. 6.49 and 5.59, P < 0.001). Plasma MIF was an independent protective factor of DGF (odds ratio = 0.447, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.264-0.754, P = 0.003). Combining plasma MIF level and donor terminal serum creatinine provided the best predictive power for DGF (0.872; 95%CI 0.795-0.949). Furthermore, plasma MIF was significantly associated with allograft function at 1-month post-transplant (R 2 = 0.42, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Intraoperative MIF, as an independent protective factor for DGF, has excellent diagnostic performance for predicting DGF and is worthy of further exploration.
Insights
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) shows promise as a biomarker for predicting kidney transplant success. Higher intraoperative MIF levels are linked to a lower risk of delayed graft function, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Delayed graft function (DGF) is a frequent complication following kidney transplantation (KT), often leading to poor clinical outcomes.
- Current methods lack accurate early biomarkers for predicting DGF.
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is implicated in kidney protection during surgery and may serve as a predictive biomarker for renal allograft recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of plasma Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) levels as a biomarker for predicting Delayed Graft Function (DGF) after kidney transplantation.
- To evaluate the correlation between intraoperative MIF levels and post-transplant renal allograft recovery.
Main Methods:
- Plasma MIF levels were measured in kidney transplant recipients at various time points.
- Correlation between plasma MIF and DGF was analyzed.
- The study included KT recipients from July 2020 to December 2020 and was registered under ChiCTR2000035596.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in intraoperative MIF levels were observed across immediate, slowed, and delayed graft function groups (P < 0.001).
- Plasma MIF was identified as an independent protective factor against DGF (OR = 0.447, P = 0.003).
- Combining plasma MIF with donor terminal serum creatinine yielded the highest predictive power for DGF (0.872). Plasma MIF also correlated significantly with 1-month allograft function (R² = 0.42, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) demonstrates excellent diagnostic performance for predicting Delayed Graft Function (DGF) in kidney transplantation.
- MIF acts as an independent protective factor for DGF and warrants further investigation as a clinical biomarker.

