Association between plasma lipid levels and migraine in subjects aged ≥50 years: preliminary data from the Zabùt Aging Project

Association between severe headache or migraine and lipid accumulation product and visceral adiposity index in adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES

BACKGROUND

Existing literature on the impact of lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) on severe headache or migraine is limited. This study aims to elucidate the association between LAP and VAI and the prevalence of migraine.

METHODS

Data for this study were sourced from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A database-self-administered questionnaire was used to assess severe headache or migraine. A weighted logistic regression model was employed to assess the relationship between LAP and VAI with migraine prevalence. Complementary analytical approaches included subgroup analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and threshold effect analysis to validate the findings.

RESULTS

In the end, 4572 people were recruited for the research, including 880 with migraine and 3692 without migraine. Following adjustment for the relevant covariables, weighted logistic regression analysis (OR = 1.409, 95% CI: 1.054, 1.883, P = 0.022; OR = 1.288, 95% CI: 1.010, 1.642, P = 0.042) revealed significantly elevated odds of migraine prevalence in participants within the highest tertile (T3) of LAP and VAI than those in the lowest tertile (T1). The nonlinear association between migraine prevalence and both VAI and LAP was further elucidated through a restricted cubic spline. The threshold analysis pinpointed 2.142 (log-likelihood ratio = 0.016) as the critical inflection point for VAI. Subgroup analysis and interaction testing revealed the significant association was independent in different subgroup factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicate a robust association between higher levels of LAP and VAI and an increased prevalence of migraine.

Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization identified potential drug targets for migraine

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a highly prevalent and complex neurovascular disease. However, the currently available therapeutic drugs often fall to adequately meet clinical needs due to limited effectiveness and numerous undesirable side effects. This study aims to identify putative novel targets for migraine treatment through proteome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS

We utilized MR to estimate the causal effects of plasma proteins on migraine and its two subtypes, migraine with aura (MA) and without aura (MO). This analysis integrated plasma protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) data with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) findings for these migraine phenotypes. Moreover, we conducted a phenome-wide MR assessment, enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction networks construction, and mediation MR analysis to further validate the pharmaceutical potential of the identified protein targets.

RESULTS

We identified 35 protein targets for migraine and its subtypes (p < 8.04 × 10-6), with prioritized targets showing minimal side effects. Phenome-wide MR identified novel protein targets-FCAR, UBE2L6, LATS1, PDCD1LG2, and MMP3-that have no major disease side effects and interacted with current acute migraine medication targets. Additionally, MMP3, PDCD1LG2, and HBQ1 interacted with current preventive migraine medication targets. The causal effects of plasma protein on migraine were partly mediated by plasma metabolites (proportion of mediation from 3.8% to 21.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

A set of potential protein targets for migraine and its subtypes were identified. These proteins showed rare side effects and were responsible for biological mechanisms involved in migraine pathogenesis, indicating priority for the development of migraine treatments.

The Association between Statin Use and Reduced Migraine Likelihood: A Comprehensive Analysis of Migraine Subtypes and Statin Types in a Nationwide Korean Cohort

Despite growing interest in the preventive effects of statins, as lipid-lowering agents, on migraine attacks, comprehensive nationwide studies comparing migraine likelihood between statin users and controls are lacking. Our nested case-control study within the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort (2002-2019) investigated this association using 38,957 migraine patients and 155,828 controls, considering migraine subtypes (with/without aura) and statin types (lipophilic vs. hydrophilic). Using propensity score matching and adjusting for confounders, statin use was linked to reduced migraine likelihood overall (odds ratio (OR) 0.93), particularly for migraines with aura (OR 0.75) and without aura (OR 0.94). Lipophilic statins were effective for both subtypes, while hydrophilic statins mainly reduced the likelihood of migraines without aura. Subgroup analyses showed consistent benefits across demographics, but varied effectiveness based on weight, smoking, alcohol use, hemoglobin levels, and dyslipidemia history. In summary, this nationwide cohort study suggests that statin use may reduce migraine likelihood among Korean adults across diverse demographics and clinical profiles, but varied effectiveness based on certain lifestyle and comorbidity factors underscores the importance of considering individual patient profiles when assessing the potential benefits of statin therapy for migraine prevention.

Lipids, lipid-modifying drug target genes and migraine: a Mendelian randomization study

INTRODUCTION

Migraine, a prevalent headache disorder with unclear mechanisms and limited treatments, may be influenced by dyslipidemia and genetic factors. Statins and emerging lipid-modifying agents show potential but lack evidence for migraine management. Mendelian Randomization analysis offers insights into causal relationships and therapeutic targets. This study aims to explore genetically predicted lipid traits, drug targets, and their association with migraine risk.

METHOD

We conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses utilizing genetic variants associated with lipid traits and variants in genes encoding the protein targets of various classes of lipid-lowering drugs. The specific drug classes investigated included HMGCR, PCSK9, NPC1L1, ABCG5/ABCG8, LDLR, LPL, ANGPTL3, APOB, CETP, and APOC3. To determine the effects on migraine risk, we meta-analyzed MR estimates for regional variants using data from two large sample sets. The genetic variants were weighted based on their associations with specific lipid traits, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Apolipoprotein A1, and Apolipoprotein B. To obtain association weights, we utilized data from lipid genetics consortia. For lipid-modifying drug targets that exhibited suggestive significance, we further employed expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) data. Additionally, we performed colocalization analysis to assess genetic confounding.

RESULT

The use of genetic proxies for HMGCR inhibition demonstrated a significant association with a decreased risk of migraine in the FinnGen dataset (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.46-0.88, p = 0.0006) and a nearly significant association in the Choquet dataset (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.60-1.01, p = 0.06). When pooling the estimates, the overall effect size showed a reduced risk of migraine (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.60-0.89, p = 0.0016). Similarly, genetic mimicry of LPL enhancement was associated with a lower risk of migraine in the FinnGen dataset (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69-0.96, p = 0.01) and the Choquet dataset (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83-0.99, p = 0.03). Pooling the estimates showed a consistent effect size (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.83-0.96, p = 0.002). Sensitivity analyses yielded no statistically significant evidence of bias arising from pleiotropy or genetic confounding.

CONCLUSION

In the study, it was observed that among the 10 lipid-lowering drug targets investigated, LPL and HMGCR showed significant associations with migraine risk. These findings indicate that LPL and HMGCR have the potential to serve as candidate drug targets for the treatment or prevention of migraines.

Macronutrient Intake in Relation to Migraine and Non-Migraine Headaches

We investigated the association of mean daily macronutrient intake with migraine and non-migraine headaches. This cross-sectional study included 8042 men and 23,728 women from the ongoing population-based NutriNet-Santé e-cohort. Headache status was assessed via an online self-report questionnaire (2013–2016). Migraine was defined using established criteria and dietary macronutrient intake was estimated via ≥3 24 h dietary records. Mean daily intake (g/day) of carbohydrates (simple, complex, and total), protein, and fat (saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and total) were the main exposure variables. Adjusted gender-specific analysis of variance (ANOVA) models were fit. Presence of migraines was noted in 9.2% of men (mean age = 54.3 ± 13.3 years) and 25.7% of women (mean age = 49.6 ± 12.8 years). In adjusted models, we observed (1) somewhat lower protein (p < 0.02) and higher total fat (p < 0.01) intake among male migraineurs compared with males without headaches and those with non-migraine headaches; (2) somewhat higher total fat (p < 0.0001) and total carbohydrate intake (p < 0.05) among female migraineurs compared with females without headaches and those with non-migraine headaches. The findings, which provide preliminary support for modest gender-specific differences in macronutrient intake by migraine status, merit confirmation in different population-based settings, as well as longitudinally, and could help to inform future dietary interventions in headache prevention.

Genetic epidemiology of autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia in Sicily: Identification by next-generation sequencing of a new kindred

BACKGROUND

Autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia (ARH) is a rare inherited lipid disorder. In Sardinia, differently from other world regions, the mutated allele frequency is high. It is caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor adaptor protein 1 gene. Fourteen different mutations have been reported so far; in Sardinia, 2 alleles (ARH1 and ARH2) explain most of the cases. Four ARH patients, all carriers of the ARH1 mutation, have been identified in mainland Italy and 2 in Sicily.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of the study were to improve the molecular diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and to estimate the frequency of the ARH1 allele in 2 free-living Sicilian populations.

METHODS

We sequenced by targeted next-generation sequencing 20 genes related to low-density lipoprotein metabolism in 50 hypercholesterolemic subjects. Subjects from 2 free-living populations from Northern (Ventimiglia Heart Study, 848 individuals) and Southern Sicily (Zabut Zabùt Aging Project, 1717 individuals) were genotyped for ARH1 allele.

RESULTS

We identified 1 homozygous carrier of the ARH1 mutation among the 50 hypercholesterolemic outpatients. Population-based genotyping of ARH1 in 2565 subjects allowed the identification of 1 heterozygous carrier. The overall estimated allele frequency of ARH1 in Sicily was 0.0002 (0.02%).

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of a new case of ARH in Sicily among 50 clinically diagnosed FH highlights the importance of next-generation sequencing analysis as tool to improve the FH diagnosis. Our results also indicate that ARH1 carrier status is present in ∼1:2500 of Sicilian inhabitants, confirming that ARH is extremely rare outside Sardinia.

Periodontal disease as a potential factor of migraine chronification

Migraine is a hereditary constitutional base disorder, which is characterized by recurrent episodes of headache pulsatile characteristics associated with photophobia/phonophobia, nausea and/or vomiting. The main complication in migraine is the chronicity of the process, now recognized as a chronic migraine. Although pathogenic mechanisms that may influence the pathophysiology of migraine and its possible chronicity are not fully understood, previous studies have shown in patients with migraine molecular alterations of systemic inflammation, neurogenic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, innate immunity, dysfunction of matrix proteases and blood-brain barrier. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory lesion caused by bacteria. After the bacterial infection begins, an immune response that will be responsible for individual susceptibility appears. More advanced forms of periodontitis have demonstrated molecular alterations of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, dysfunction of matrix proteases and innate immunity, similar to those observed in migraine. Furthermore, the main molecular mediators of neurogenic inflammation related to activation of the trigeminovascular system, which are characteristic of migraine, are overexpressed in gingival crevicular fluid and mucosa in patients with periodontal disease. Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, insulin resistance, stroke or coronary artery disease are comorbidities that periodontal disease and migraine could share. Therefore, several mechanisms and hypotheses could explain the possible association between both diseases. However, epidemiological and molecular studies will be necessary to provide a better understanding of this potential association, which could be implicated in the chronification of migraine.

Migraine and obesity: metabolic parameters and response to a weight loss programme

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Weight loss can determine significant improvement of migraine in obese patients. Herein, we evaluated a clinical sample of adolescent migraineurs with obesity who participated in an interdisciplinary programme for weight loss, in order to identify possible metabolic parameters associated with good migraine control.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, we evaluated 112 out of 135 adolescents who previously underwent our intervention programme. Based on persistence of headache, subjects for comparison were 40 migraine-free and 72 not migraine-free adolescents. Participants underwent anthropometric evaluations and biochemical tests.

RESULTS

Patients with persistence of migraine had significantly higher weight (P < 0.01), body mass index (P < 0.01), waist circumference (P < 0.01), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P < 0.001), triglyceride (P < 0.05), total cholesterol (P < 0.05) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05) values when compared with those who became migraine-free. Between potential predictors, only insulin resistance (odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.4-6.1; P <  0.001) was significantly associated with persistence of migraine after intervention programme.

CONCLUSIONS

Among obese adolescents with migraine who underwent an intervention programme for weight loss, patients who did not become migraine-free showed higher adiposity values than those who became migraine-free. Patients with insulin resistance had 3.5 times the odds of having persistence of migraine compared with those without.

Fasting lipid and lipoproteins concentrations in pregnant women with a history of migraine

BACKGROUND

Migraine is associated with a number of cardiometabolic risk factors including abnormalities in lipid metabolism. However, little is known about these associations among pregnant migraineurs. We conducted the present study to evaluate the extent to which altered lipid profiles are associated with history of migraine among pregnant women.

METHODS

A cohort of 1062 Peruvian women were interviewed at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Migraine status was classified based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II diagnostic criteria. Serum lipid concentrations were measured enzymatically using standardized assays. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as measures of associations of migraine status with varying concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins during pregnancy.

RESULTS

Approximately 18.5% of the study participants were identified as migraineurs (196 of 1062). Maternal serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol : HDL ratio were all statistically significantly elevated among pregnant migraineurs compared with pregnant non-migraineurs. In multivariate adjusted models, pregnant women with migraine had higher odds of elevated total cholesterol, LDL, and total cholesterol : HDL ratio as compared with pregnant women without migraine. For instance, the AOR and 95% CI for successive quartiles of the total cholesterol associated with history of migraine were Q2 (219-247 mg/dL): 1.05 (0.64-1.70), Q3 (248-281 mg/dL): 1.16 (0.72-1.86), and Q4 (≥282 mg/dL): 1.87 (1.20-2.91) with the lowest quartile (<219 mg/dL) as the referent group (P value for trend = .003). Obese women with elevated total cholesterol (≥282 mg/dL) were more likely to be migraineurs (OR = 3.71; 95% CI 1.58-8.71) as compared with non-obese women with lower total cholesterol (<219 mg/dL). Similar elevated odds of migraine were observed for obese women with elevated LDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides and high total cholesterol : HDL ratio.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant migraineurs had elevated odds of dyslipidemia, particularly hypercholesterolemia, elevated LDL, and total cholesterol : HDL ratio as compared with pregnant non-migraineurs. The observed associations were more pronounced among obese migraineurs. Our findings add to the accumulating evidence of adverse cardiometabolic risk profiles among migraineurs and extend these associations to pregnant women.

Gender aspects of the relationship between migraine and cardiovascular risk factors: A cross-sectional evaluation in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Background

The relationship between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and migraine is controversial and might be different in both genders. These associations were evaluated in Brazilian middle-aged men and women from the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

Methods

The cross-sectional relationship between our main outcome, which was migraine headache (definite, probable and overall), and CVRF was evaluated in the total sample and according to gender. We calculated frequencies and odds ratios (95% CI) for this relationship using binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses in crude, age-adjusted and multivariable models adjusted by potential confounders.

Results

Of 14,953 individuals who completed the data about headache and CVRF, the frequency of one-year migraine was of 29.5% (22.5% in women and 7.0% in men). In the multivariable-adjusted regression analyses, an inverse association between hypertension (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36–0.79), metabolic syndrome (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.43–0.99) and definite migraine were confirmed for men, but not for women. In the opposite direction, a positive association between migraine headaches (definite, probable and overall) and dyslipidemia (overall migraine OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.13–1.38) was observed only for women, but not for men.

Conclusions

A gender influence on the relationship between migraine and CVRF was verified in the ELSA-Brasil.

Association of statin use and risk for severe headache or migraine by serum vitamin D status: a cross-sectional population-based study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to evaluate whether statin use and vitamin D status is associated with severe headache or migraine in a nationally representative sample.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of US individuals aged ≥40 years for whom information on statin use, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), and self-reported severe headache or migraine had been collected. We calculated prevalence estimates of headache according to statin and 25(OH)D, and conducted adjusted logistic regression analyses stratified by the median 25(OH)D (≤57 and >57 nmol/l).

RESULTS

Among 5938 participants, multivariable-adjusted logistic regression showed that statin use was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of severe headache or migraine (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.46, 0.98, p = 0.04). We found a significant interaction between statin use and 25(OH)D with the prevalence of severe headache or migraine (p for interaction = 0.005). Among participants who had serum 25(OH)D > 57 nmol/l, statin use was associated with a multivariable-adjusted odds ratio of 0.48 (95% CI 0.32, 0.71, p = 0.001) for having severe headache or migraine. Among those with 25(OH)D ≤ 57 nmol/l, no significant association was observed between statin use and severe headache or migraine.

CONCLUSION

Statin use in those with higher serum vitamin D levels is significantly associated with lower odds of having severe headache or migraine.

Vascular biomarkers in migraine

AIM

Migraine has been associated with stroke as well as with several non-atherosclerotic vascular conditions leading to discussions about the potential role of endothelium in the etiopathogenesis of migraine and migraine-associated stroke. We present a systematic review of the literature on vascular biomarkers in migraine, including those suggesting endothelial activation and damage.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search from 1990 to 2013 using multiple research databases with the keywords "migraine," "headache," "vascular," and "biomarkers." We used selected inclusion and exclusion criteria to create a final pool of studies for this review.

RESULTS

The literature search identified a total of 639 citations of which 129 were included in our review. The final pool of clinical- and population-based studies assessed the level of various biomarkers (e.g. inflammatory, prothrombotic, endothelial activation, endothelial repair) in migraineurs of varying ages, gender, and demographic characteristics. Although for each biomarker there is at least one study suggesting an association with migraine, in many cases the quality of evidence is poor and there are conflicting studies showing no relationship. The results were, therefore, in each case inconclusive.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review indicated that in migraine populations there are a number of positive vascular biomarker studies, including some involving novel biomarkers such as endothelial microparticles and endothelial precursor cells. These lend insight into possible pathophysiological mechanisms by which migraine may be associated with stroke. More high-quality studies are needed to establish whether a true association between promising vascular biomarkers and migraine exists.

[Body mass index and serum lipid levels in effect on the incidence and course of migraine]

Migraine is a well-known condition for many medical specializations. Some authors evaluate the potential impact of the abnormal body mass index (BMI) and abnormal lipid profile on the vulnerability to migraine and its severity. Regarding the fact that these factors have the inseparable connection with the risk of cardiovascular diseases, some papers bring the hypotheses of the probable role of migraine in the progression of such conditions. Some research suggests a link between abnormal BMI and a risk of migraine and its more severe course. When it comes to a lipid panel in migraine, the most frequent abnormalities are elevated levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol which may contribute to the increased risk of migraine. High-density lipoprotein and triglycerides levels were not contributory in most of the papers. We present the latest views on the mentioned problems focusing on differences in results of the particular works.

Flow in the left anterior descending coronary artery in patients with migraine headache

Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder characterized by attacks of severe headache, autonomic and neurologic symptoms. Migraine can affect many systems in the body, yet its effects on cardiovascular system are unclear. We hypothesized that migraine and coronary microvascular angina may be manifestations of a common systemic microvascular dysfunction and clinically associated. Forty patients with migraine and 35 healthy volunteers were included into the study. Using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, coronary flow was visualized in the middle or distal part of the left anterior descending artery. Coronary diastolic peak flow velocities were measured with pulse wave Doppler at baseline and after dipyridamole infusion (0.56 mg/kg/4 min). Coronary flow reserve of <2 was considered normal. In addition, thorough 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic examinations were also performed. Fifty-two women and 23 men were included. Coronary flow reserve was significantly lesser in the migraine group than in the control group (1.99 ± 0.3 vs 2.90 ± 0.5, p <0.05). In addition, mitral annular velocities were lower and the ratio of early mitral inflow velocity to early mitral annular velocity (E/E' lateral and E/E' septal) was higher in migraineurs than in the control group (p <0.05 for all), indicating diastolic function abnormalities in the migraine group. In conclusion, these findings suggest that there is an association between coronary microvascular dysfunction and migraine independently of the metabolic state of the patients. A common pathophysiologic pathway of impaired endothelial vasodilatation, vasomotor dysfunction, and increased systemic inflammatory factors may play a role in these 2 clinical conditions and could be the underlying cause of subclinical systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction in migraineurs.

Physical comorbidity of migraine and other headaches in US adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To examine the pattern and extent to which other physical conditions are comorbid with migraine and other headaches in youth in a representative sample of the US population.

STUDY DESIGN

The National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement is a face-to-face survey of adolescents aged 13-18 years in the continental US. Sufficient information to assess the International Headache Society's criteria for migraine with and without aura over the past 12 months was available in the diagnostic module. A caretaker/parental self-administered report was used to assess a broad range of other physical conditions. The sample for these analyses was 6843 adolescents with systematic caretaker/parent reports.

RESULTS

Adolescents with any headaches reported higher rates of other neurologic conditions, including epilepsy (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.04-3.94), persistent nightmares (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.34-3.87), and motion sickness (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.07-2.4), as well as abdominal complaints (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.59-3.51). Asthma (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.26-3.92) and seasonal allergies (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.12-2.48) were more common in adolescents with migraines than in adolescents with nonspecific headaches.

CONCLUSION

Adolescent migraine is associated with inflammatory conditions such as asthma and seasonal allergies, as well as with epilepsy, persistent nightmares, and motion sickness. Our findings suggest that comorbid medical conditions should be evaluated comprehensively in determining treatment options in youth with headache. Such comorbidity also could be an important source of the clinical and etiologic heterogeneity in migraine.

Reduced urinary glutamate levels are associated with the frequency of migraine attacks in females

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent evidences indicate that glutamatergic homeostasis disorders are implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine. In particular, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid glutamate levels seem to be altered in migraine patients. However, the impacts of glutamate on migraine and especially on aura symptoms, alterations in the frequency of migraine attacks as well as investigations on glutamate on migraine-related metabolic dysfunctions, like hyperinsulinaemia, and an atherogenic lipid profile remain elusive to date. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of glutamate on migraine and related metabolic dysfunctions.

METHODS

We investigated the urinary glutamate levels of female migraineurs (n = 48) in the interictal phase and healthy controls (n = 48). Parameters of the insulin- and lipid metabolism, inflammatory parameters and anthropometric parameters were additionally determined.

RESULTS

Urinary glutamate levels of female migraineurs were significantly decreased with respect to the control group. Logistic regression revealed an odds ratio of 4.04 for migraine. We found a significant correlation with the time-period of patients' last attack and a significant inverse correlation with the annual frequency of migraine attacks. Other parameters of the insulin- and lipid metabolism, anthropometric and inflammatory parameters showed no significant correlation with glutamate levels.

CONCLUSION

We show here that female migraineurs exhibit decreased urinary glutamate levels which are associated with a 4.04-fold higher risk for migraine and correlated with patients' frequency of migraine attacks.

Associations between lipid levels and migraine: cross-sectional analysis in the epidemiology of vascular ageing study

BACKGROUND

Migraine with aura has been associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, including elevated levels of some vascular biomarkers. However, little research has been done on this association among the elderly. We examined the associations of lipid levels with headache and migraine in a cohort of elderly individuals.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study among 1155 participants enrolled in the Epidemiology of Vascular Ageing Study with available information on headache and blood biomarkers. We used multinomial logistic regression to evaluate the association between biomarker tertiles and headache categories.

RESULTS

925 people had no severe headache, 64 people had non-migraine headache and 166 people had migraine, of whom 23 had aura. Compared with participants without headache, we observed strong associations between increasing tertiles of total cholesterol and migraine with aura. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 4.67 (0.99-21.97) for the 2nd tertile and 5.97 (1.29-27.61) for the 3rd tertile. We also found strong associations between triglycerides and migraine with aura (odds ratio for 3rd tertile: 4.42 (1.32-14.77)). We did not see significant associations between increased biomarker levels and any other headache group.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides are associated with migraine with aura but not other headache forms in the elderly.

Headache and biomarkers predictive of vascular disease in a representative sample of US children

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of childhood headache disorders with markers of risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

DESIGN

Information was collected on severe or recurrent headache or migraine in childhood or adolescence and on biomarkers predictive of vascular disease.

SETTING

The National Health and Nutrition Survey, a nationally representative health survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Children or adolescents aged 4 to 19 years (n = 11 770) who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Survey in 1999 through 2004.

MAIN EXPOSURE

Headache.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Body mass index; levels of C-reactive protein, homocysteine, serum and red blood cell folate, vitamin B(12), methylmalonic acid, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid; and platelet count.

RESULTS

Mean values for body mass index, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine were higher in children with than without headaches, and more children with headaches were in the highest quintile of risk for these factors. Serum and red blood cell folate levels were lower in children with headache. More children with headache were in the highest quintile of risk for 3 or more of these factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Several important risk factors for long-term vascular morbidity cluster in children and adolescents with severe or recurrent headache or migraine. Further study and screening of children with headaches may permit improved preventive management.

The vascular risk associations with migraine: relation to migraine susceptibility and progression

Migraine is a common disorder in which changes in cortical excitability, neuroinflammation and dysfunction of the vascular wall contribute to its pathophysiology. Repeated attacks of migraine over prolonged periods result in inflammatory arteriopathy of the cranial vessels. Several studies indicate that migraine is associated with special pattern of inflammatory markers and some adverse vascular risk factors including: increased levels of CRP, ILs, TNF-alpha and adhesion molecules which are markers of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and thrombosis, increased body weight, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, impaired insulin sensitivity, high homocysteine levels, stroke and coronary heart disease. Such comorbidities are not explained by bias but indicate possible shared underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Recent studies have shown involvement of cranial as well as peripheral vascular dysfunction with migraine indicating that migraine may be a local manifestation of a systemic disease rather than a primary brain phenomenon. The associated inflammatory process of migraine together with the associated adverse medical comorbidities exposes patients to endothelial vascular wall injury which further increases migraine susceptibility and progression as well as increases the risk for atherogenesis. The knowledge that migraine is a risk for vascular diseases raises important clinical implications, recommendations and future perspectives in migraine treatment and prevention.