Inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor alleviates LPS-induced inflammation response of HEI-OC1 cells via suppressing NF-κB signaling

•Augmentation of PGE2 synthesis and COX2 expression in HEI-OC1 cells by LPS.•MIF downregulation leads to decrease in PGE2 synthesis and COX2 expression.•MIF knockdown suppresses the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway in LPS-treated HEI-OC1 cells.•MIF increases PGE2 production and COX2 expression via the NF-κB pathway.•MIF promotes LPS-induced inflammation in HEI-OC1 cells via the NF-κB pathway.