Evaluation of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Level as a Biomarker for Rheumatoid Arthritis among Iraqi Patients

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. MIF protein is one of proinflammatory cytokines has been implicated in various inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. Therefore, the goal of the study was to assess the role of MIF in the pathogenesis of RA in Iraqi patient. One hundred and eighty (180) participants were involved; ninety patients with RA and ninety healthy controls. All participants were assessed by the following diagnostic lab analyses: RF, Anti-CCP, ESR, CRP and CBC to confirm RA disease. MIF level were evaluated in participants' sera by using ELISA assay. The age mean of RA patients was (52.03 ± 13.01); the patients more than 50 years age represent 57.80%. Significant difference was recorded in male and female frequencies among patients and controls (p=0.023). The mean of RA patients' body weight was (83.68 ± 14.15). According to disease duration, more than 10 years of disease duration was the most frequent (44.4%). Disease activity score recorded that (55.6%) of patients represent a moderate RA activity. Median levels of RF, CRP, Anti-CCP Abs and ESR recorded a significant increase in RA patients' sera; RBCs and HGB recorded lower values in patients of RA compared to control group; WBCs, lymphocyte and PLT count recorded no significant differences between the study groups (p-value>0.05 for all), while significant high value of neutrophils was recorded in RA patients than in healthy control (p<0.001). The mean of MIF serum level showed significant increase in RA patients compared to controls (22.51 vs. 4.33 ng/ml; p< 0.001); receiver operator characteristics curve (ROC) of MIF indicated that MIF was a predictor of RA. Patients at the age group (20 – 29 years) showed a significant increased mean of MIF level compared to other age groups of patients; no significant differences between MIF level and disease activity score in RA patients. In conclusion, MIF is an important biomarker for RA that may have a role in the pathogenesis of this disease.