Serum Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in the Prediction of Preterm Delivery

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Brad Pearce, Emory University; Sicily E. Garvin, Emory University; Jakob Grove, University of Aarhus; Elizabeth A. Bonney, University of Vermont; Donald J. Dudley, University of Texas at San Antonio; Diana E. Schendel, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Poul Thorsen, University of Aarhus
• Language: English
• Date: 2008-07
• Publisher: Elsevier: 12 months
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2008 Elsevier
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommerical-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2007.11.066
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• ISSN: 0002-9378
• Volume: 199
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 46.e1
• End Page: 46.e6
• Grant/Funding Information: To Brad D. Pearce: National Institutes of Health (National Institute of Mental Health)-1-R21-MH068513; NARSAD-02072408; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-04-IPA05252
• Keywords: Pregnancy; Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor; Preterm Birth; Cytokine; Cortisol
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Psychology, General

Abstract

Serum Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in the Prediction of Preterm Delivery.Objective Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a soluble mediator that helps govern the interaction between cytokines and stress hormones (e.g. cortisol). We determined if maternal MIF levels predicted subsequent preterm delivery (PTD). Study Design A nested case-control study measuring serum MIF concentration at 9–23 weeks gestation in women who ultimately delivered preterm (n=60) compared to control women who delivered at term (n=122). We also examined the connection of MIF with self-reported psychosocial variables. Results MIF was elevated in the PTD cases (p=0.0004), and log MIF concentration showed a graded response relationship with likelihood of PTD. High MIF was also associated with maternal risk-taking behavior, which itself was a risk factor for PTD. MIF remained associated independently with PTD after adjusting regression models for several other PTD risk factors (OR, 3.11, 95% CI 1.54–6.30). Conclusion High serum MIF concentration in early to mid- pregnancy is linked with subsequent preterm delivery.