Abstract: Objective To investigate the relationship of serum levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with the severity of acute cerebral infarction (ACI). Methods 101 patients with ACI were envolved and divided into 3 groups according to the scores of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS): mild group (group A, n=38, NIHSS score<4), moderate group (group B, n=36, NIHSS score 4-15) and severe group (group C, n=27, NIHSS score>15). Meanwhile, 44 non-ACI inpatients with atherosclerosis were included as control group (group D). Their serum MIF and MMP-9 were detected with ELISA, and hs-CRP with immunoturbidimety. Results The levels of serum MIF, MMP-9 and hs-CRP ranged from more to less as groups C, B, A and D (P<0.05). There was positive correlation of MIF with MMP-9 (r=0.301, P<0.01) and hs-CRP (r=0.309, P< 0.001). Conclusion Serum MIF, MMP-9 and hs-CRP levels increased with the severity in ACI patients, which may be prediction of atherosclerotic plaque instability.

Key words: acute cerebral infarction, atherosclerosis, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale