Review: Putative roles for the macrophage migratory inhibitory factor at the maternal fetal interface

Abstract Complex and dynamic networks of molecules participate in the essential interactions between maternal organism, placenta and fetus in a healthy and successful pregnancy. Macrophage migratory inhibitory factor (MIF) is one of several molecules produced at implantation sites; MIF is mostly exp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Placenta (Eastbourne) 2014-02, Vol.35, p.S51-S56
Main Authors: Bevilacqua, E, Paulesu, L, Ferro, E.A.V, Ietta, F, Faria, M.R, Lorenzon, A.R, Costa, A.F, Martucci, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
AKT signaling pathway
Animals
Apoptosis
Biological and medical sciences
Cell Survival
Chorioamnionitis - metabolism
Decidual cells
Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Genitalia, Female - metabolism
Humans
Internal Medicine
Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors - physiology
Maternal-Fetal Exchange
Mdm2
MIF
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Placenta - metabolism
Pregnancy - physiology
Signal Transduction
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Summary:Abstract Complex and dynamic networks of molecules participate in the essential interactions between maternal organism, placenta and fetus in a healthy and successful pregnancy. Macrophage migratory inhibitory factor (MIF) is one of several molecules produced at implantation sites; MIF is mostly expressed by trophoblast cells. This has led to expectations of MIF's relevance as a partner in the maternal/fetal dialog. MIF is known by its biological interactions and functional roles as an activator of innate immunity, regulating subsequent adaptive responses, which include inhibition of migration of mononuclear cells in vitro, antagonism of glucocorticoids, and regulation of expression of Toll-like receptor 4. Beyond roles in the inflammatory response, MIF can interfere with proliferative activities in different cell types, as well as with cell death pathways. This intriguing factor found at the human, porcine, ovine, bovine and rodent maternal–fetal interfaces is present in a time- and spatially-dependent manner, indicating regulatory roles in the process of embryo implantation, placental development, maintenance of pregnancy and birth. Here, we will review MIF participation in placental physiology, including new evidence for a dialog with uterine cells, and a potential role in protection of uterine decidual cells.
ISSN:0143-4004
1532-3102
DOI:10.1016/j.placenta.2013.10.015