Macrophage migration inhibitory factor reduces apoptosis in cerebral arteriovenous malformations.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in human brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM).


METHODS
Twelve AVM specimens were obtained from patients who did not received preoperative embolization. MIF levels were measured by Western blot and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) levels were measured by reverse transcription PCR. The expression of MIF in brain AVMs was also evaluated by immunohistochemistry and was correlated with apoptosis and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and MMP9.


RESULTS
The expression of MIF, MMP9, and cleaved caspase-3 was elevated in brain AVM vessels. High levels of MIF were primarily found in the endothelium and adventitia, whereas apoptotic cells were concentrated in the smooth muscle layer.


CONCLUSIONS
Abnormal apoptosis may be involved in the pathogenesis of brain AVM. In addition, increased MIF expression could play an important role regulating the homeostasis of AVM vessels.
Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China. chengz5413@126.com
Guangzhong
G
Chen
Meng
M
Zheng
Hang
H
Shu
Shengquan
S
Zhan
Hongqin
H
Wang
Dong
D
Zhou
Shaojian
S
Zeng
Kai
K
Tang
Lei
L
Feng
D000328:Adult; D017209:Apoptosis; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D019746:Intramolecular Oxidoreductases / Q000378:metabolism*; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; D019746:Intramolecular Oxidoreductases; C515598:MIF protein, human