Objective: To examine the level of plasma macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and its relationship with cardiac function.
Method: The levels of MIF were measured in 278 CHF patients and 85 normal subjects using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: Elevated MIF levels were detected in the patients with heart failure, and the elevation was more significant in cases of coronary artery disease in comparison with that identified in cases of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Conclusion: The overactivation of MIF may be involved in the pathogenesis of heart failure.