Korean J Dermatol.  2008 May;46(5):611-618.

Expression of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Behcet's Disease

• In SI
• Baek JA
• Park KS
• Bang D
• Lee ES

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a unique protein, participating in inflammation, immune response, and cell growth. Previous reports showed that MIF-polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk for various inflammatory diseases.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to investigate the effect of MIF polymorphisms on Behcet's disease (BD).
METHODS
A total of 362 patients with BD and 290 healthy controls were genotyped. We also performed RT-PCR analysis, ELISA, and immunohistochemical stain for MIF.
RESULTS
We could not find statistically significant differences in the genotype frequencies of the MIF-794[CATT]5-8 repeat polymorphism or MIF-173 G>C polymorphism between BD patients and controls. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that MIF protein was diffusely distributed throughout epidermis and subcutaneous fat tissue from the skin lesions of patients with BD and erythema nodosum.
CONCLUSION
Contrary to earlier reports, serum MIF levels were decreased in patients with BD, and the prescence of polymorphisms in the MIF promoter region was not associated with disease susceptibility. Nevertheless, MIF may play a role in cutaneous inflammation in BD.

Keyword

Behcet's disease; Macrophage migration inhibitory factor

MeSH Terms

Disease Susceptibility
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Epidermis
Erythema Nodosum
Genotype
Humans
Inflammation
Macrophages
Promoter Regions, Genetic
Skin
Subcutaneous Fat