Abstract: Objective Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is implicated in tumorigenesis. This study was conducted to determine the MIF expression in normal colorectal mucosa，colorectal adenoma and colorectal carcinoma , and the relationship between MIF and the clinical pathologic features of colorectal carcinoma. Methods MIF expression was determined by immunohistochemical staining in 8 normal colorectal mucosa , 20 colorectal adenoma ，49 colorectal carcinoma specimens. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the level of MIF in the sera of 20 healthy volunteers, 12 colorectal adenoma patients and 30 colorectal cancer patients. Results The percentage of MIF expressing epithelial cells and the MIF positive expression intensity were progressively increased in normal colorectal mucosa, colorectal adenoma and colorectal carcinoma. There were significant difference among three groups (P<0.001, ANOVA). There was a significant association between epithelial MIF expression and serum MIF levels (R=0.751, P=0.002). The expression of MIF was positively correlated with differentiation degree, lymph node metastasis, and liver metastasis. Conclusions Epithelial and serum MIF expression is progressively elevated in normal colorectal mucosa, colorectal adenoma and colorectal carcinoma, suggesting that MIF is involved in colorectal carcinogenesis and development .