Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1/GDF15) and mortality in end-stage renal disease.

Background: Elevated macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1/GDF15) levels in serum mediate anorexia and weight loss in some cancer patients and similarly elevated levels occur in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum MIC-1/GDF15 is also elevated in chronic inflammatory diseases and predicts atherosclerotic events independently of traditional risk factors. The relationship between chronic inflammation, decreasing body mass index (BMI) and increased mortality in CKD is not well understood and is being actively investigated.

The TGF-beta superfamily cytokine MIC-1/GDF15: secretory mechanisms facilitate creation of latent stromal stores.

Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1/growth differentiation factor 15 (MIC-1/GDF15), a divergent member of the TGF-beta superfamily is induced by a range of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and is highly expressed in macrophages in atherosclerotic and tumor lesions. MIC-1/GDF15, a major p53 target gene, is largely described to have anti-tumorigenic activity and more recently high MIC-1/GDF15 serum levels in late stage cancer were shown to be the major cause of cancer-associated weight loss. MIC-1/GDF15 serum levels independently predict both atherosclerotic events and severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suggesting serum levels are important in modifying disease expression.

Expression of macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 in prostate cancer bone metastases induces osteoclast activation and weight loss.

Background: Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) belongs to the bone morphogenic protein/transforming growth factor-beta (BMP/TGF-beta) superfamily. Serum MIC-1 concentrations are elevated in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The effects of MIC-1 on prostate cancer bone metastases are unknown.

Tumor-induced anorexia and weight loss are mediated by the TGF-beta superfamily cytokine MIC-1.

Anorexia and weight loss are part of the wasting syndrome of late-stage cancer, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer, and are thought to be cytokine mediated. Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) is produced by many cancers. Examination of sera from individuals with advanced prostate cancer showed a direct relationship between MIC-1 abundance and cancer-associated weight loss.

Serum macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 in rheumatoid arthritis: a potential marker of erosive joint destruction.

Objective: The transforming growth factor beta superfamily member macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC-1) is expressed upon macrophage activation, regulated by the p53 pathway, and linked to clinical events in atherosclerosis and cancer. Since rheumatoid arthritis (RA) shares similar etiopathologic mechanisms with the above diseases, we sought to determine the clinical utility of determining MIC-1 serum levels and MIC-1 genotype in the management of RA.

Methods: Ninety-one RA patients were recruited.