BACKGROUND: Macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by several cells, including those in the immune system and the skin. The MIF gene contains the SNP -173 G> C and STR -794 CATT5-8 polymorphisms in the promoter region capable of affecting its activity. Our objective was to investigate the MIF polymorphisms as a risk factor for plaque psoriasis (PP) in the Mexican population.
METHODS: We genotyped both MIF polymorphism (rs5844572 and rs755622) in 224 PP patients with a clinical and histopathological diagnosis and 232 control subjects (CS) by the PCR-RFLP method. MIF serum levels were determined by an ELISA kit.
RESULTS: We found significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies for the MIF -173 G>C polymorphism; carriers of the GC genotype (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.026-2.228, p = 0.03) and the C allele (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.005-1.807, p = 0.04) had higher odds to present with PP. Moreover, the 6C haplotype was associated with PP risk (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.22-3.69, p < 0.01). Also, the -173 CC genotype was associated with high MIF serum levels (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The -173 GC genotype and the 6C haplotype of the MIF polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to PP in the Mexican population.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata and vitiligo vulgaris are common autoimmune diseases whose pathophysiology are not completely elucidated. Genetic susceptibility, immunological background, and stress have significant roles in their pathogenesis. Although macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is crucial for the maintenance of immune privilege in certain sites, it can upregulate different inflammatory cytokines and contribute to the pathogenesis of different autoimmune diseases. There is controversy about its role in alopecia and no adequate data about its role in vitiligo. OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the serum level of MIF in alopecia areata and vitiligo and its relationship with different variables of both diseases. METHOD: Serum level of MIF was measured in 20 patients with vitiligo, 22 patients with alopecia areata, and 20 controls by ELISA. RESULTS: MIF was significantly higher in alopecia areata (8.477±4.1761ng/mL) and vitiligo vulgaris (3.930±2.7071ng/mL) compared to controls (0.725±0.5108 ng/mL) (P<0.01). In addition, MIF levels were positively correlated with the severity of alopecia areata and vitiligo. CONCLUSION: The MIF has an active role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata and vitiligo and could be a target for the treatment of both diseases.

BACKGROUND: Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a rare form of internal male pseudohermaphroditism characterized by the presence of rudimentary Müllerian structures in a virilized male often presenting as undescended testes. Thus, each patient diagnosed with undescended testes should promptly be investigated for PMDS because the early diagnosis has direct effects on outcome and prognosis.
METHODS: A 26-year-old-male complained of long-standing abdominal pain two years ago and was diagnosed having bilateral undescended testes in the pelvic region. He underwent the orchidopexy about one year ago but, after 5 months of orchidopexy, he first complained of discomfort in the left and then right inguinal region due to an incisional hernia that presumed to have the ovotesticular disorder of sexual development. On the pelvic MRI exam, the Müllerian duct structures were observed and he was diagnosed as having PMDS.
CONCLUSIONS: In this case the patient had bilateral cryptorchidism with testes fixed in the para iliac region with respect to the uterus, indicating the female type of PMDS which is a rare type of PMDS. The case is proven genetically and Müllerian duct remnants have been resected to avoid malignant transformation.
CONCLUSIONS: Persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a rare finding and may present as long-standing abdominal pain. Each patient diagnosed with undescended testes should promptly be investigated for PMDS. Diagnosis and management aim to preserve fertility and prevent malignant changes. Therefore, familiarity with this rare condition will lead to adequate management and prevention of complications.

Inhibitors of human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) previously reported in the literature have been reexamined by synthesis, assaying for tautomerase activity, and protein crystallography. Substantial inconsistencies between prior and current assay results are noted. They appear to arise from difficulties with the tautomerase substrates, solubility issues, and especially covalent inhibition. Incubation time variation shows that 3, 4, 6, and 9 are covalent or slow-binding inhibitors. Two protein crystal structures are provided; one confirms that the twice-discovered 3 is a covalent inhibitor.