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. 2020 Oct;13(10):24-27.
Epub 2020 Oct 1.

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Alopecia Areata and Vitiligo: A Case-Controlled Serological Study

Fatma Eldesouky  1 , Al-Shimaa M Ibrahim  1 , Samar M Sharaf  1
Affiliations

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Alopecia Areata and Vitiligo: A Case-Controlled Serological Study

Fatma Eldesouky et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020 Oct.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata and vitiligo vulgaris are common autoimmune diseases whose pathophysiology are not completely elucidated. Genetic susceptibility, immunological background, and stress have significant roles in their pathogenesis. Although macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is crucial for the maintenance of immune privilege in certain sites, it can upregulate different inflammatory cytokines and contribute to the pathogenesis of different autoimmune diseases. There is controversy about its role in alopecia and no adequate data about its role in vitiligo. OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the serum level of MIF in alopecia areata and vitiligo and its relationship with different variables of both diseases. METHOD: Serum level of MIF was measured in 20 patients with vitiligo, 22 patients with alopecia areata, and 20 controls by ELISA. RESULTS: MIF was significantly higher in alopecia areata (8.477±4.1761ng/mL) and vitiligo vulgaris (3.930±2.7071ng/mL) compared to controls (0.725±0.5108 ng/mL) (P<0.01). In addition, MIF levels were positively correlated with the severity of alopecia areata and vitiligo. CONCLUSION: The MIF has an active role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata and vitiligo and could be a target for the treatment of both diseases.

Keywords: MIF; Macrophage migration inhibitory factor; alopecia; immunoregulatory cytokines; vitiligo vulgaris.

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Conflict of interest statement

FUNDING:No funding was provided for this study. DISCLOSURES:The authors have no conflicts of interest related to the content of this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Serum MIF levels in the studied groups
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2.
Shows serum MIF levels in different disease grades in both groups
FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 3.
Shows a significant negative correlation between the age of patients and serum MIF levels in alopecia
FIGURE 4.
FIGURE 4.
Shows a significant negative correlation between serum level of MIF and the age of patients in vitiligo
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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