Expression of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Behcet`s Disease

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.