MIF levels correlate with the inflammatory status and disease stage and the predominant MIF gene promoter polymorphisms, a −173 G/C SNP and −794 (CATT)5−8 microsatellite repeat, are associated with the severity of asthma, atherosclerosis, kidney injury, and rheumatoid arthritis (86, 87). The gene discussed is MIF; the disease is atherosclerosis.