Increased serum levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in alcoholic liver diseases and their expression in liver tissues

Objectives: To study the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MI F) in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver diseases. Design and Methods: The levels of MIF in the sera were estimated by an enzy me-linked immunosorbent assay in 13 patients with alcoholic hepatitis (ALH) , 9 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis ALC and 26 normal controls, MIF was l ocalized in the liver specimens by immunohistochemistry. Results: The mean levels of MIF in the sera were significantly higher in AL H and ALC compared with the normal controls (P < 0.05). Serial observations revealed a relationship between serum MIF levels and the serum transaminas e levels. MIF was expressed by the hepatocytes and by the infiltrating cell s around the site of accumulation of neutrophils and ballooned hepatocytes in ALH. Conclusions: This is the first report on MIF in human alcoholic liver disea ses, and the data suggest that MIF may be related to abnormal cytokine home ostasis in ALH. (C) 2001 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. All rig hts reserved.