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Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine favouring the secretion of TNFα and IL‐8 and counteracts anti‐inflammatory effects of corticosteroids. Airways inflammation is a central feature of bronchial asthma and is characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether MIF is related to asthma symptoms and eosinophil accumulation in the airways.

Serum MIF levels were measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 44 healthy subjects and 44 asthmatics. Levels of MIF in induced sputum were measured in 10 healthy subjects and 15 asthmatics. Levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in induced sputum were measured by a radioimmunosorbent assay. Fluorescence double immunostaining was conducted to examine cellular source and localization of MIF.

Serum MIF levels were …