Relation of Plasma Macrophage MIF with Carotid Plaque Unstability and Progressive Cerebral Infarction

Objective To study the relation of plasma macrophage migration-inhibitory factors (MIF) with carotid plaque unstability and progressive cerebral infarction(PCI).Methods One hundred and six patients with acute anterior circulation cerebral infarction were divided into PCI group(n= 56)and non-PCI group(n = 50) according to their clinical manifestations.Forty healthy subjects served as a control group.Their plasma MIF levels were measured by ELISA.Of the 106 patients who underwent carotid Doppler ultrasonography,26 were diagnosed with no plaque,40 with stable plaques,and 40 with unstable plaques.Their MIF levels were compared.Results Unstable plaques were mainly found in PCI group,accounting for 44.6%.The plasma MIF level was significantly higher in PCI group than in non-PCI group and control group(26.24±6.08 Hg/L vs 19.50±4.66μg/L and 23.06±5.10μg/L,P0.05).The plasma MIF level was 26.48±6.12μg/L,23.45±5.04μg/L,and 21.12±4.53μg/L,respectively,in patients with unstable,stable, and no plaques(P0.05).Conclusion High plasma MIF level is closely related with carotid plaque unstability and PCI.