The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene polymorphism in Czech and Russian patients with myocardial infarction

Impact of the MIF -173G/C variant on cardiovascular disease risk: a meta-analysis of 9,047 participants

Introduction

Many factors contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), an umbrella term for several different heart diseases, including inflammation. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important immune modulator that has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of different heart diseases, so understanding pathogenic variants of the MIF gene is important for risk stratification. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to investigate whether the MIF -173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism is associated with CVD.

Methods

The PubMed, Science Direct, and Embase databases were searched from inception to June 2023 for case-control studies of the MIF -173G/C polymorphism and its relationship to any type of CVD. Correlations between the MIF -173G/C polymorphism and CVD were estimated by pooling the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals in allelic, dominant, and recessive models using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 9,047 participants (4141 CVD cases and 4906 healthy controls) from 11 relevant studies were included. In the total population, there was no significant association between the MIF -173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism and the risk of developing CVD in the three different models. In a stratified analysis by ethnicity, the allelic model (C vs G) was significantly associated with CVD in the Arab and Asian populations (OR = 0.56, CI 0.42 -0.75 and OR = 1.28, CI 1.12 -1.46, respectively); the dominant model (CC+CG vs GG) was significantly associated with CVD in the Arab population (OR = 0.42, CI 0.30 -0.61); while the recessive model (GG+GC vs CC) was associated with CVD susceptibility in the Arab population (OR = 3.84, CI 1.57 -9.41). There were no significant associations between the MIF -173 G/C polymorphism and CVD risk in the European population. Conclusion, the MIF -173G/C polymorphism is associated with CVD in some populations.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, PROSPERO (CRD42023441139).

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene rs755622 G/C polymorphism and coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis of 8,488 participants

Background and aims

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene rs755622 G/C polymorphism was suggested to be associated with CAD risk. However, due to the different results among the individual studies, no agreement has been reached till now. Therefore, the meta-analysis on the association of MIF gene rs755622 G/C polymorphism with CAD was performed.

Methods and results

The association between them was evaluated by calculating the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The random-effects models were used because of the significant heterogeneity among them. In this meta-analysis, 8,488 subjects from 9 studies were included. The MIF gene rs755622 G/C polymorphism was significantly associated with CAD under the allelic (OR: 1.213, 95% CI: 1.039–1.417, P = 0.014), recessive (OR: 1.945, 95% CI: 1.214–3.115, P = 0.006), dominant (OR: 0.781, 95% CI: 0.617–0.989, P = 0.041), homozygous (OR: 2.057, 95% CI: 1.289–3.284, P = 0.003), and additive (OR: 1.327, 95% CI: 1.081–1.630, P = 0.007) genetic models.

Conclusion

MIF gene rs755622 G/C polymorphism was significantly related to CAD, especially in the Chinese population. Persons with the C allele of the MIF gene rs755622 G/C polymorphism might be susceptible to CAD.

Genetic Variation of Migration Inhibitory Factor Gene rs2070766 Is Associated With Acute Coronary Syndromes in Chinese Population

Genetic variation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene has been linked to coronary artery disease. We investigated an association between the polymorphism of MIF gene rs2070766 and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and the predictive value of MIF gene variation in clinical outcomes. This study involved in 963 ACS patients and 932 control subjects from a Chinese population. All participants were genotyped for the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of MIF gene rs2070766 using SNPscan™. A nomogram model using MIF genetic variation and clinical variables was established to predict risk of ACS. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were monitored during a follow-up period. The frequency of rs2070766 GG genotype was higher in ACS patients than in control subjects (6.2 vs 3.8%, p = 0.034). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals with mutant GG genotype had a 1.7-fold higher risk of ACS compared with individuals with CC or CG genotypes. Using MIF rs2070766 genotypes and clinical factors, we developed a nomogram model to predict risk of ACS. The nomogram model had a good discrimination with an area under the curve of 0.781 (95% CI: 0.759-0.804), concordance index of 0.784 (95% CI: 0.762-0.806) and well-fitted calibration. During the follow-up period of 25 months, Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that ACS patients carrying GG phenotype developed more MACE compared to CC or CG carriers (p < 0.05). GG genotype of MIF gene rs2070766 was associated with a higher risk of ACS in a Chinese population. The GG genotype carriers in ACS patients had worse clinical outcomes compared with those carrying CC or CG genotype. Together with rs2070766 genetic variant of MIF gene, we established a novel nomogram model that can provide individualized prediction for ACS.

Association between MIF gene promoter rs755622 and susceptibility to coronary artery disease and inflammatory cytokines in the Chinese Han population

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an essential mediator of atherosclerotic plaque progression and instability leading to intracoronary thrombosis, therefore contributing to coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study, we investigated the relationship between MIF gene polymorphism and CAD in Chinese Han population. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP, rs755622, rs1007888 and rs2096525) of MIF gene were genotyped by TaqMan genotyping assay in 1120 control participants and 1176 CAD patients. Coronary angiography was performed in all CAD patients and Gensini score was used to assess the severity of coronary artery lesions. The plasma levels of MIF and other inflammatory mediators were measured by ELISA. The CAD patients had a higher frequency of CC genotype and C allele of rs755622 compared with that in control subjects (CC genotype: 6.5% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.008, C allele: 24.0% vs. 20.6%, P = 0.005). The rs755622 CC genotype was associated with an increased risk of CAD (OR: 1.804, 95%CI: 1.221-2.664, P = 0.003). CAD patients with a variation of rs755622 CC genotype had significantly higher Gensini score compared with patients with GG or CG genotype (all P < 0.05). In addition, the circulating MIF level was highest in CAD patients carrying rs755622 CC genotype (40.7 ± 4.2 ng/mL) and then followed by GC (37.9 ± 3.4 ng/mL) or GG genotype (36.9 ± 3.7 ng/mL, all P < 0.01). Our study showed an essential relationship between the MIF gene rs755622 variation and CAD in Chinese Han population. Individuals who carrying MIF gene rs755622 CC genotype were more susceptible to CAD and had more severe coronary artery lesion. This variation also had a potential influence in circulating MIF levels.

Functional variants in the promoter region of macrophage migration inhibitory factor rs755622 gene (MIF G173C) among patients with heart failure: Association with echocardiographic indices and disease severity

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a serious public health concern resulting in death. An individual predisposition to HF is determined by relationship between genetic and environmental variables. The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a significant mediator that involved in a variety of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. To reveal contribution of MIF rs755622 G173C gene variants in the promoter region towards HF pathogenesis and investigate association between recognized genotype and clinical characteristics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We recruited 90 patients with HF, 63 with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and 27 with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and 60 age- and sex- matched controls. MIF rs755622 (G>C) single-nucleotide polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS

The GG genotype of MIF rs755622 gene polymorphism was more frequent in HF patients than in controls which increased the risk of HF by about 4.25 times (p<0.05). The distribution of the GG, GC and CC genotypes of MIF were 42%, 21% and 0.0% among HFrEF, and 33.3%, 55.6% and 11.1% among HFpEF respectively. Higher frequency of MIF rs755622 G allele among HFrEF (100%) compared to HFpEF (88.9%) (p = 0.007). MIF-GG genotype variant had significantly lower LVEF. In multivariate analysis, MIF-GG genotype was independent risk predictor among HF (OR 4.6).

CONCLUSION

MIF rs755622 (GG) could be considered as a probable genotypic risk factor for HF, especially in those with HFrEF which increases the possibility that MIF contribute to HF progression. MIF genotype assay may serve as early predictor and help to recognize those at great risk of developing HF.

MIF -173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism modulates coronary artery disease risk: evidence from a systematic meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains one of the major causes of death in humans. Genetic testing may allow early detection and prevention of this disease. This study aimed to investigate the association between the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) -173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism and susceptibility to CAD based on a meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched several databases to identify observational case-control studies investigating the association between the MIF -173G > C (rs755622) polymorphism and CAD risk published before July 30, 2019. Data were analyzed using the STATA software.

RESULTS

Six studies, comprising a total of 1172 CAD cases and 1564 controls evaluated for MIF polymorphisms, were included. The occurrence of CAD was found to be associated with the C allele of the MIF rs755622 SNP in the total population (C/G, OR = 1.489, 95% CI = 1.223-1.813). Further, MIF -173G/C polymorphism was significantly associated with CAD under the allelic model in the Asian (C/G, OR = 1.775, 95% CI = 1.365-2.309) and Caucasian (C/G, OR = 1.288, 95% CI 1.003-1.654) subgroups. The data showed that the risk of CAD was higher in the population carrying the C allele.

CONCLUSIONS

We found evidence of associations between MIF -173C/G and CAD susceptibility in the Asian and Caucasian populations.

MIF gene rs755622 polymorphism positively associated with acute coronary syndrome in Chinese Han population: case-control study

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been recognized as a major player in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This study determined the association between polymorphisms of MIF gene and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The polymorphism of MIF gene (rs755622, rs1007888 and rs2096525) was analyzed in 1153 healthy controls and 699 ACS cases in Chinese Han population. Plasma MIF level was also measured in part of ACS patients (139/19.9%) and healthy controls (129/11.2%) randomly. Most participants including healthy controls and ACS patients carried rs755622 GG (63.1% vs. 56.7%) and CG genotypes (33.1% vs. 38.9%) and G allele of rs755622 (79.6% vs. 76.1%, respectively), while CC genotype (3.8% vs. 4.4%) and C allele (20.4% vs. 23.9%) carriers were the lowest. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that carriers with rs755622 C allele had a higher risk of ACS compared to other genotypes (AOR = 1.278, 95% CI: 1.042-1.567). In addition, CC genotype carriers had the highest plasma levels of MIF than other genotype carriers. The MIF level in ACS patients with CC genotype was significantly higher than ACS patients carrying GG genotype and healthy controls carrying 3 different genotypes of MIF gene rs755622. Our findings indicate that MIF gene rs755622 variant C allele is associated with increased risk of ACS. Identification of this MIF gene polymorphism may help for predicting the risk of ACS.

MIF Gene Polymorphism rs755622 Is Associated With Coronary Artery Disease and Severity of Coronary Lesions in a Chinese Kazakh Population: A Case-Control Study

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Recent studies indicate that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine which mediates the inflammatory process during atherosclerosis. The polymorphism of MIF gene (rs755622 [-173G/C], rs1007888, and rs2096525) were genotyped by TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assay in 320 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 603 controls in a Chinese Kazakh population. Coronary angiography was performed on all CAD patients and Gensini score was used to assess the severity of coronary artery lesions. The frequency of the CC genotype and C allele of rs755622 were significantly higher in CAD patients than that in control subjects (8.4% vs. 5.1%, P < 0.001, 30.3% vs. 22.1%, P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with CC genotype or C allele had a higher risk for CAD (CC genotype vs. GG genotype, OR = 2.224, 95% CI, 1.239-3.992, P = 0.007, and C allele vs. G allele, OR = 1.473, 95% CI, 1.156-1.876, P = 0.002, respectively). Moreover, CAD patients with rs755622 C allele (CC + CG genotype) have higher levels of Gensini score when compared to C allele noncarriers (32.74 ± 26.66 vs. 21.44 ± 19.40, P < 0.001, adjusted). Our results suggested that the CC genotype and C allele of MIF rs755622 SNP may be a genetic marker for the risk of CAD and potentially predict the severity of CAD in Chinese Kazakh population.

Chemokines and their receptors in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the medium- and large-sized arteries, is the main underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) most often leading to a myocardial infarction or stroke. However, atherosclerosis can also develop without this clinical manifestation. The pathophysiology of atherosclerosis is very complex and consists of many cells and molecules interacting with each other. Over the last years, chemokines (small 8-12 kDa cytokines with chemotactic properties) have been identified as key players in atherogenesis. However, this remains a very active and dynamic field of research. Here, we will give an overview of the current knowledge about the involvement of chemokines in all phases of atherosclerotic lesion development. Furthermore, we will focus on two chemokines that recently have been associated with atherogenesis, CXCL12, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Both chemokines play a crucial role in leukocyte recruitment and arrest, a critical step in atherosclerosis development. MIF has shown to be a more pro-inflammatory and thus pro-atherogenic chemokine, instead CXCL12 seems to have a more protective function. However, results about this protective role are still quite debatable. Future research will further elucidate the precise role of these chemokines in atherosclerosis and determine the potential of chemokine-based therapies.

MIF and CXCL12 in Cardiovascular Diseases: Functional Differences and Similarities

Coronary artery disease (CAD) as part of the cardiovascular diseases is a pathology caused by atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the vessel wall characterized by a massive invasion of lipids and inflammatory cells into the inner vessel layer (intima) leading to the formation of atherosclerotic lesions; their constant growth may cause complications such as flow-limiting stenosis and plaque rupture, the latter triggering vessel occlusion through thrombus formation. Pathophysiology of CAD is complex and over the last years many players have entered the picture. One of the latter being chemokines (small 8-12 kDa cytokines) and their receptors, known to orchestrate cell chemotaxis and arrest. Here, we will focus on the chemokine CXCL12, also known as stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and the chemokine-like function chemokine, macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF). Both are ubiquitously expressed and highly conserved proteins and play an important role in cell homeostasis, recruitment, and arrest through binding to their corresponding chemokine receptors CXCR4 (CXCL12 and MIF), ACKR3 (CXCL12), and CXCR2 (MIF). In addition, MIF also binds to the receptor CD44 and the co-receptor CD74. CXCL12 has mostly been studied for its crucial role in the homing of (hematopoietic) progenitor cells in the bone marrow and their mobilization into the periphery. In contrast to CXCL12, MIF is secreted in response to diverse inflammatory stimuli, and has been associated with a clear pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic role in multiple studies of patients and animal models. Ongoing research on CXCL12 points at a protective function of this chemokine in atherosclerotic lesion development. This review will focus on the role of CXCL12 and MIF and their differences and similarities in CAD of high risk patients.

Role of MIF in myocardial ischaemia and infarction: insight from recent clinical and experimental findings

First discovered in 1966 as an inflammatory cytokine, MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) has been extensively studied for its pivotal role in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. Although initial studies over a decade ago reported increases in circulating MIF levels following acute MI (myocardial infarction), the dynamic changes in MIF and its pathophysiological significance following MI have been unknown until recently. In the present review, we summarize recent experimental and clinical studies examining the diverse functions of MIF across the spectrum of acute MI from brief ischaemia to post-infarct healing. Following an acute ischaemic insult, MIF is rapidly released from jeopardized cardiomyocytes, followed by a persistent MIF production and release from activated immune cells, resulting in a sustained increase in circulating levels of MIF. Recent studies have documented two distinct actions of MIF following acute MI. In the supra-acute phase of ischaemia, MIF mediates cardioprotection via several distinct mechanisms, including metabolic activation, apoptosis suppression and antioxidative stress. In prolonged myocardial ischaemia, however, MIF promotes inflammatory responses with largely detrimental effects on cardiac function and remodelling. The pro-inflammatory properties of MIF are complex and involve MIF derived from cardiac and immune cells contributing sequentially to the innate immune response evoked by MI. Emerging evidence on the role of MIF in myocardial ischaemia and infarction highlights a significant potential for the clinical use of MIF agonists or antagonists and as a unique cardiac biomarker.

Arrest Functions of the MIF Ligand/Receptor Axes in Atherogenesis

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been defined as an important chemokine-like function (CLF) chemokine with an essential role in monocyte recruitment and arrest. Adhesion of monocytes to the vessel wall and their transendothelial migration are critical in atherogenesis and many other inflammatory diseases. Chemokines carefully control all steps of the monocyte recruitment process. Those chemokines specialized in controlling arrest are typically immobilized on the endothelial surface, mediating the arrest of rolling monocytes by chemokine receptor-triggered pathways. The chemokine receptor CXCR2 functions as an important arrest receptor on monocytes. An arrest function has been revealed for the bona fide CXCR2 ligands CXCL1 and CXCL8, but genetic studies also suggested that additional arrest chemokines are likely to be involved in atherogenic leukocyte recruitment. While CXCR2 is known to interact with numerous CXC chemokine ligands, the CLF chemokine MIF, which structurally does not belong to the CXC chemokine sub-family, was surprisingly identified as a non-cognate ligand of CXCR2, responsible for critical arrest functions during the atherogenic process. MIF was originally identified as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (this function being eponymous), but is now known as a potent inflammatory cytokine with CLFs including chemotaxis and leukocyte arrest. This review will cover the mechanisms underlying these functions, including MIF’s effects on LFA1 integrin activity and signal transduction, and will discuss the structural similarities between MIF and the bona fide CXCR2 ligand CXCL8 while emphasizing the structural differences. As MIF also interacts with CXCR4, a chemokine receptor implicated in CXCL12-elicited lymphocyte arrest, the arrest potential of the MIF/CXCR4 axis will also be scrutinized as well as the recently identified role of pericyte MIF in attracting leukocytes exiting through venules as part of the pericyte “motility instruction program.”

Association between MIF gene polymorphisms and carotid artery atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a potent cytokine that plays an important role in the regulation of immune responses. Polymorphisms including five- to eight-repeat CATT variants ((CATT)(5-8)) and G-173C in the promoter region of the MIF gene are associated with altered levels of MIF gene transcription. The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between promoter polymorphisms of the MIF gene and the severity of carotid artery atherosclerosis (CAA). The severity of CAA was assessed in 593 individuals with a history of ischemic stroke by using sonographic examination, and the MIF promoter polymorphisms of these individuals were genotyped. The carriage of (CATT)7 (compared to genotypes composed of (CATT)5, (CATT)6, or both), carriage of C allele (compared to GG), and carriage of the haplotype (CATT)7-C (compared to genotypes composed of (CATT)5-G, (CATT)6-G, or both) were significantly associated with an increase in the severity of CAA. We conclude that polymorphisms in the MIF gene promoter are associated with CAA severity in ischemic stroke patients. These genetic variants may serve as markers for individual susceptibility to CAA.

The vascular biology of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Expression and effects in inflammation, atherogenesis and angiogenesis

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine with chemokine-like functions. MIF is a critical mediator of the host immune and inflammatory response. Dysregulated MIF expression has been demonstrated to contribute to various acute and chronic inflammatory conditions as well as cancer development. More recently, MIF has been identified as an important pro-atherogenic factor. Its blockade could even aid plaque regression in advanced atherosclerosis. Promotion of atherogenic leukocyte recruitment processes has been recognised as a major underlying mechanism of MIF in vascular pathology. However, MIF's role in vascular biology is not limited to immune cell recruitment as recent evidence also points to a role for this mediator in neo-angiogenesis / vasculogenesis by endothelial cell activation and endothelial progenitor cell recruitment. On the basis of introducing MIF's chemokine-like functions, the current article focusses on MIF's role in vascular biology and pathology.

Energy expenditure regulation via macrophage migration inhibitory factor in obesity and in vitro anti-macrophage migration inhibitory factor effect of Alpinia officinarum Hance extraction

OBJECTIVE

To compare the resting energy expenditure in different macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) genotypes and to identify the in vitro effects of Alpinia officinarum Hance extract (AOHE) on MIF expression in obese and nonobese persons.

METHODS

In the fasting state, obese and nonobese persons were assessed for the measurement of resting energy expenditure rate (REE) by indirect calorimetry. We compared it with the expected amount ([REE measured by indirect calorimetry / predicted REE according to Harris Benedict equations] x 100). Participants were classified into those with normal REE (≥100) vs those with impaired REE (<100). Body composition was analyzed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed using specific primer pairs for MIF messenger RNA, and β-actin was used as the internal control.

RESULTS

The study included 69 obese and 103 non-obese participants. The proportions of MIF genotypes were slightly different in obese and nonobese participants. However, the proportions of MIF genotypes were significantly different in participants with normal REE and those with low REE. The MIF gene was highly expressed in the obese group compared with MIF expression in the nonobese group. Body fat mass and MIF expression were higher in participants with the GG genotype than in the other genotype groups. MIF expression was inversely associated with REE in both groups (r = -0.36, P = .04). After treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with AOHE, MIF expression differed according to MIF genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that AOHE is a major modulator of MIF-dependent pathologic conditions in obesity and are consistent with mounting evidence that defines a regulating role for MIF in cytokine production in an inflammatory state in in vitro studies.

Mannose binding lectin and macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene polymorphisms in Turkish children with cardiomyopathy: no association with MBL2 codon 54 A/B genotype, but an association between MIF -173 CC genotype

Myocardial inflammation is one of the commonest mechanisms in cardiomyopathy (CMP). Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is a key molecule in innate immunity, while macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a constitutive element of the host defenses. We investigated the possible association between polymorphisms of MBL2 and MIF genes and CMP in Turkish children. Twenty-children with CMP and 30 healthy controls were analyzed for codon 54 A/B polymorphism in MBL, and -173 G/C polymorphism in MIF genes by using PCR-RFLP methods. No significant difference was found between genotypes and alleles of MBL2 gene codon 54 A/B polymorphism in patients and controls (p>0.05). However, serum uric acid levels was found higher in dilated CMP patients with AA genotype. Frequency of MIF -173 CC genotype was significantly higher in patients (p<0.05), and sodium levels were higher in patients with MIF -173 CC genotype. This study is the first to investigate the MBL and MIF gene polymorphisms in Turkish children with CMP. We conclude that CC genotype of MIF (-173) polymorphism may be a risk factor for CMP patients. However, further studies with larger samples are needed to address the exact role of this polymorphism in CMP.