Evaluation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in patients with alopecia areata before and after the treatment

Abstract

Background Alopecia areata (AA) is a common disease affecting the anagen phase of the hair follicles. It is considered as an autoimmune disorder. Many cytokines play a role in its pathogenesis; one of these cytokines is macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the MIF level to elucidate its role in the pathogenesis of AA. Patients and methods This study included 50 patients with AA and 30 normal healthy individuals who served as the control group. Serum MIF levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in patients (before and after the treatment) and in the controls. The clinical severity of the disease was done using severity of alopecia tool scoring system and it was correlated with the serum MIF levels. Results There was a statistically significant increase in the serum MIF level in patients before the treatment, compared to the controls. In addition to this, a significant elevation in its level was found before than found after the treatment. There was a positive significant correlation between the MIF level and both duration of the disease and its clinical severity, whereas there was a negative significant correlation between MIF level and the age of the patients. Conclusion Macrophage MIF plays an important role in the etiopathogenesis of AA as it is increased in patients when compared to the controls and in patients before than after the treatment. So, it could be considered as a prognostic factor for disease severity and might be a potential new target as a future therapy.