Analysis of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene variants with bone mineral density and fracture risk in Maltese postmenopausal women

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that increases bone destruction in the presence of low oestrogen levels. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of two variants located at position −173 (G[C) and +656 (C[G) within the MIF gene on bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk in Maltese postmenopausal women. Association of the variants with biochemical variables was also analysed.

METHODS: A case-control collection of 1045 Maltese postmenopausal women aged 41 to 79 years was used. Women who suffered a fracture were classified as cases whereas those without a fracture history were included as controls. Genotyping of MIF −173 was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme digest, whereas Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR was used for the MIF +656. Genotype-phenotype associations were analysed using the Mann–Whitney test whereas odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using logistic regression analysis.

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