TITLE:
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor, CD163 and Its Association with Placental Malaria
AUTHORS:
Amal Hussain Mohammed
KEYWORDS:
Placental Malaria, Immune Markers, MIF, CD163, Pregnancy Outcomes, Infection, Malaria, Immune System
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.4,
April
23,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Malaria has severe effects on pregnancy, and it is a primary cause of maternal and perinatal death in Sudan. This study aimed to investigate the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and CD163 in the placentas of malaria-positive and malaria-negative women and explore their potential association with placental malaria pathogenesis. Methodology: This case-control study involved 54 malaria-positive and 54 malaria-negative pregnant women at Gadarif Hospital, Sudan. Mothers’ body mass index was calculated. Babies were weighed immediately following birth, and maternal hemoglobin concentrations were estimated. Malaria infection was detected using Giemsa-stained blood smears and light microscopy. Maternal, peripheral, and cord blood films were investigated, and immunohistochemical techniques for detecting MIF and CD163 were obtained. Result: No significant difference was observed in MIF and CD163 expression between malaria-positive and malaria-negative placentas (p > 0.05). Clinical parameters, including age, parity, BMI, maternal hemoglobin levels, and neonatal birth weight, showed no significant variation between the groups. Conclusion: The findings suggest that MIF and CD163 expression are not significantly associated with placental malaria in this population. Further research is needed to clarify the immunopathological mechanisms of placental malaria.