Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in patients with myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis
Taniguchi, Y.; Yorioka, N.; Yamashita, K.; Masaki, T.; Yamakido, M.
Clinical Nephrology 54(2): 147-150
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-0430 PMID: 10968692 Document Number: 514951
Aim and methods: To investigate the relationship between macrophage migration inhibitory factor and clinical or pathological findings in patients with myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody MPO-ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis characterized by idiopathic necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis, renal biopsy specimens from 16 patients with MPO-ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis and 15 controls were stained using an enzyme antibody method to detect macrophage migration inhibitory factor and macrophages infiltrating the glomeruli. The relationship of this factor with various clinical parameters and with cellular crescents was determined. Results: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor was detected in 11 out of 16 patients with MPO-ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis, but was not found in any of the controls. In the positive patients, the blood MPO-ANCA level was significantly higher than in the negative patients. Both cellular crescents and the number of macrophages infiltrating the glomeruli were significantly increased in the patients positive for macrophage migration inhibitory factor. Conclusion: Thus, macrophage migration inhibitory factor may be closely related to cellular crescent formation and disease activity in patients with MPO-ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis.