Plasma macrophage migration inhibitory factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels, and their related factors in Alzheimer’s disease

Previous studies have shown that the levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in its downstream signaling pathway are related to the occurrence and development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); some studies have suggested that plasma levels of MIF and MMP-9 could be used as potential biomarkers for AD. This study aimed to explore the changes in MIF and MMP-9 levels in the plasma of patients with AD and whether they were correlated with other clinical indicators and cognitive function. Altogether, 43 patients with AD and 40 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. Socio-demographic information of the subjects was collected, and their cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Further, the biochemical indicators and plasma MIF and MMP-9 levels were detected. Our study found that plasma MIF levels were not significantly altered in patients with AD compared to HCs, while MMP-9 levels were significantly increased, and prolactin levels had significant effects on MMP-9 levels. In addition, plasma levels of MIF and MMP-9 in patients with AD had no significant correlation with cognitive function. In summary, plasma levels of MIF and MMP-9 in AD patients may be influenced by multiple factors and could vary significantly across different disease stages. Further studies are needed to elucidate their roles and underlying mechanisms in AD.