Plasma Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor and CCL3 as Potential Biomarkers for Distinguishing Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma from High-Risk Individuals Who Have Positive Epstein-Barr Virus Capsid Antigen-Specific IgA

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma-associated inflammatory cytokines: ongoing biomarkers

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a neoplasm related to inflammation; the expression of cytokines, such as CCL3, CCL4, CCL20, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, among others, is presumed to be associated with NPC occurrence and development. Therefore, the circulating levels of these cytokines may be potential biomarkers for assessing tumor aggressiveness, exploring cellular interactions, and monitoring tumor therapeutic responses. Numerous scholars have comprehensively explored the putative mechanisms through which these inflammatory factors affect NPC progression and therapeutic responses. Moreover, investigations have focused on elucidating the correlation between the systemic levels of these cytokines and the incidence and prognosis of NPC. This comprehensive review aims to delineate the advancements in research concerning the relationship between inflammatory factors and NPC while considering their prospective roles as novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers in the context of NPC.

microRNA-451 (miR-451) Regulates the Apoptosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Targeting Macrophage Migration Promoting Factors

MicroRNA (miRNA) participates in cellular activities. This article mainly discusses whether miR-451 has a role in the apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. A549 cell was divided into blank group, miR-451 overexpression group and NC group followed by analysis of level of miR-451, MIF mRNA, MIF, NF-κB, and nuclear expression of NF-κB by immunofluorescence, clone formation, cell apoptosis rate and cell cycle. miR-451 overexpression significantly inhibited MIF and NF-κB expression. In the case of miR-451 overexpression, NSCLC clone formation was inhibited time-dependently The nuclear NF-κB expression in miR451 group was significantly inhibited, indicating inhibition of MIF by miR-451, leading to inhibition of NSCLC cell proliferation. Further results showed that cell apoptotic rate of miR-451 high expression group was elevated with increased cell number in G2 phase, confirming that miR-451 overexpression promoted NSCLC cell apoptosis. miR-451 over-expression can inhibit MIF level by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby promoting NSCLC cell apoptosis, providing a new therapeutic approach for the clinical targeted therapy.

Genetic Variants of the MIF Gene and Susceptibility of Rectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer (RC) has been documented to be a highly invasive malignant neoplasm worldwide. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in cell-mediated immunity, immunoregulation, inflammation. In vitro and in vivo studies have identified that MIF was involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of RC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This case-control study evaluated associations of genetic variants of the MIF gene and serum level of MIF with susceptibility of RC.

RESULTS

We found MIF level was associated with an increased risk of RC (OR for per unit: 1.38, 95% CI:1.32-1.44; P < 0.001). Both MIF rs2012133 (OR = 1.30; 95% CIs = 1.08-1.58; P = 0.007) and rs755622 (OR = 1.45; 95% CIs = 1.15-1.82; P = 0.002) were significantly associated with increased risk of RC. Besides, we also found MIF rs5844572 was significantly associated with increased susceptibility of RC, with OR for per CATT repeat of 1.28 (95% CIs: 1.16-1.41; P < 0.001). Further, we found all three variants of the MIF gene, rs5844572, rs2012133 and rs755622, could increase serum level of MIF.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that MIF plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of RC and could be used as a biomarker for early detection and prediction of RC.