Correlation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and tumor necrosis factor-α in sepsis rats and the effects of heparin on them

Objective To observe the serum levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in sepsis rats,and explore the effects of heparin on them.Methods Forty-nine female Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham operation group(n = 7),sepsis group(n = 21) and heparin interfere group(n = 21).Sepsis rats models were prepared by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP).Serum levels of MIF and TNF-α were observed at different times.Results The serum levels of MIF and TNF-α in sepsis group and heparin interfere group were significantly higher than those of the sham group(P 0.05).In heparin interfere group,the MIF(at all the time points) and TNF-α(at 12 h and 24 h) levels were markedly decreased(P 0.05);the levels of MIF and TNF-α in sepsis group and heparin interfere group had positive correlation(r = 0.859,0.711,respectively).Conclusion Serum levels of MIF and TNF-α increased significantly in sepsis group,low-dose heparin used in early stage could ameliorate the inflammatory reaction,the changes of MIF and TNF-α have positive correlation.