Iron Deficiency Anaemia is Associated with Decreased Levels of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1

Abstract

Many bodily systems are affected by iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), including the immune system. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms whereby this anaemia promotes deterioration in immunity remain largely unexplained. In order to enlighten this pathophysiological link, serum levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), which play an important roles in a healthy functioning immune system, were examined in patients with IDA and healthy volunteers. A total of 30 patients with IDA (mean age 33.6+/-7.8 years, 30% male) and 30 healthy individuals (mean age 30.1 +/- 8.8 years, 27 % male) were included. Serum MIF and MCP-1 levels were measured in a sandwich-assay format, using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. There was no statistically significant difference in age and gender distribution between participants with IDA and controls (p> 0.05). Serum MIF and MCP-1 concentrations were lower in the IDA group than in the control group (p < 0.005, and p < 0.01, respectively). When considering the role of MIF and MCP-1 in maintaining the normal immune response of the organism, a decrease in production in patients with IDA may contribute to immune dysfunction in these individuals.