American Society of Hirudotherapy

MIF: a new cytokine link between rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis

Review published in Nature reviews. Drug discovery (2006)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewDrug DevelopmentMorand EF et al. · Nature reviews. Drug discovery, 2006

Abstract

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is well established as a key cytokine in immuno-inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation is now also recognized as having a crucial role in atherosclerosis, and recent evidence indicates that MIF could also be important in this disease. Here, we review the role of MIF in rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, discuss the ways in which MIF and its relationship with glucocorticoids could link these diseases, and consider the potential of MIF as a new therapeutic target for small-molecule and antibody-based anti-cytokine drugs.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tReview
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsArthritis, RheumatoidAtherosclerosisGlucocorticoidsHumansMacrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors

Summary

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is well established as a key cytokine in immuno-inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review examines macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as a cytokine linking rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, discussing its role in both diseases, its relationship with glucocorticoids, and its potential as a therapeutic target for small-molecule and antibody-based anti-cytokine drugs. While inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis is sometimes cited in complementary medicine literature related to leech therapy, this abstract contains no mention of leeches, hirudotherapy, leech-derived compounds, or any related substance. There is no defensible connection to the leech secretome or ASH's research domain based on this abstract.

Citation

MIF: a new cytokine link between rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis

Morand EF et al. · Nature reviews. Drug discovery, 2006

DOI

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