Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor as a Predictor for Long-term Improvements After Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy or Treatment as Usual for Depression, Anxiety or Stress and Adjustment Disorders

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Identification of biological markers that can guide treatment selection is considered to be a viable solution for personalized treatment for patients with psychiatric disorders. This study investigated whether macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels at baseline were associated with mindfulness-based group therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy response in patients with mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress- and adjustment disorders. Methods A total of 168 patients (aged 21–65 years) with psychiatric disorders were included from a randomized controlled trial. Plasma MIF levels in all the patients were analyzed using Luminex assay. Results Higher MIF levels at baseline were significantly associated with better long-term (1-year follow-up) improvement in psychiatric symptoms, as measured by changes in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-S), compared with lower MIF levels, after adjustment for baseline MADRS-S score, age, sex, BMI, and pharmacotherapy (β = 5.89, p = 0.001). Patients with higher levels of MIF (8235–23,391 pg/ml) had an almost 6 points’ larger decrease in MADRS-S score after 1 year compared with those with lower MIF (727–8223 pg/ml) at baseline. Similar trends were seen after 8 weeks, albeit non-significant (β = 1.99, p = 0.18). Conclusions The findings indicate that higher plasma MIF levels at baseline may predict better long-term outcomes with psychotherapeutic interventions for mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress and adjustment disorders. MIF levels may serve as a potential biomarker that can guide treatment selection for the personalized treatment for patients with psychiatric disorders.