Interictal, circulating sphingolipids in women with episodic migraine: A case-control study

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.

Impact of enniatins and beauvericin on lipid metabolism: Insights from a 3D HepaRG spheroid model

Emerging mycotoxins enniatins (ENNs) and beauvericin (BEA) pose potential health risks to humans through dietary exposure. However, research into their mechanisms of toxicity is limited, with a lack of comprehensive toxicological data. This study investigates from a hepatic lipid metabolism perspective, establishing a more precise and reliable 3D HepaRG hepatocyte spheroid model as an alternative for toxicity assessment. Utilizing physiological indices, histopathological analyses, lipidomics, and molecular docking techniques, it comprehensively elucidates the effects of ENNs and BEA on hepatic lipid homeostasis and their molecular toxicological mechanisms. Our findings indicate that ENNs and BEA impact cellular viability and biochemical functions, significantly altering lipid metabolism pathways, particularly those involving glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids. Molecular docking has demonstrated strong binding affinity of ENNs and BEA with key enzymes in lipid metabolism such as Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α (PPARα) and Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), revealing the mechanistic basis for their hepatotoxic effects and potential to impair liver function and human health. These insights enhance our understanding of the potential hepatotoxicity of such fungal toxins and lay a foundation for the assessment of their health risks.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Associations Between Migraine and Lipoprotein Subfractions

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate phenotypic and genetic relationships between migraine and lipoprotein subfractions.

METHODS

We evaluated phenotypic associations between migraine and 19 lipoprotein subfraction measures in the Women's Genome Health Study (n = 22,788). We then investigated genetic relationships between these traits using summary statistics from the International Headache Genetics Consortium for migraine (n_case = 54,552, n_control = 297,970) and combined summary data for lipoprotein subfractions (n up to 47,713).

RESULTS

There was a significant phenotypic association (odds ratio 1.27 [95% confidence interval 1.12-1.44]) and a significant genetic correlation at 0.18 (p = 0.001) between migraine and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLPs) concentration but not for low-density lipoprotein or high-density lipoprotein subfractions. Mendelian randomization (MR) estimates were largely null, implying that pleiotropy rather than causality underlies the genetic correlation between migraine and lipoprotein subfractions. Pleiotropy was further supported in cross-trait meta-analysis, revealing significant shared signals at 4 loci (chr2p21 harboring THADA, chr5q13.3 harboring HMGCR, chr6q22.31 harboring HEY2, and chr7q11.23 harboring MLXIPL) between migraine and lipoprotein subfractions. Three of these loci were replicated for migraine (p < 0.05) in a smaller sample from the UK Biobank. The shared signal at chr5q13.3 colocalized with expression of HMGCR, ANKDD1B, and COL4A3BP in multiple tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

The study supports the association between certain lipoprotein subfractions, especially for TRLP, and migraine in populations of European ancestry. The corresponding shared genetic components may help identify potential targets for future migraine therapeutics.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class I evidence that migraine is significantly associated with some lipoprotein subfractions.

Sphingomyelin is involved in multisite musculoskeletal pain: evidence from metabolomic analysis in 2 independent cohorts

ABSTRACT

Metabolic dysfunction has been suggested to be involved in musculoskeletal pain; however, few studies have identified metabolic markers associated with multisite musculoskeletal pain (MSMP). This study sought to identify metabolic marker(s) for MSMP by metabolomic analysis. The Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort Study (TASOAC) provided the discovery cohort with the Newfoundland Osteoarthritis Study (NFOAS) providing the replication cohort. Multisite musculoskeletal pain was assessed by a self-reported pain questionnaire and defined as painful sites ≥4 in both the TASOAC and the NFOAS. Furthermore, MSMP was also defined as painful sites ≥7, whereas non-MSMP was defined as either painful sites <7 or ≤1 in the NFOAS. Serum samples of the TASOAC received metabolic profiling using The Metabolomics Innovation Centre Prime Metabolomics Profiling Assay. The data on the identified metabolites were retrieved from NFOAS metabolomic database for the purpose of replication. A total of 409 participants were included in the TASOAC, 38% of them had MSMP. Among the 143 metabolites assessed, 129 passed quality control and were included in the analysis. Sphingomyelin (SM) C18:1 was significantly associated with MSMP (odds ratio [OR] per log µM increase = 3.96, 95% confidence interval, 1.95-8.22; P = 0.0002). The significance remained in multivariable analysis (OR per log µM increase = 2.70, 95% confidence interval, 1.25-5.95). A total of 610 participants were included in the NFOAS, and the association with SM C18:1 was successfully replicated with 3 MSMP definitions (OR ranging from 1.89 to 2.82; all P < 0.03). Our findings suggest that sphingomyelin metabolism is involved in the pathogenesis of MSMP, and the circulating level of SM C18:1 could serve as a potential marker in the management of MSMP.

Different Lipid Signature in Fibroblasts of Long-Chain Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders

Long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders (lc-FAOD) are a group of diseases affecting the degradation of long-chain fatty acids. In order to investigate the disease specific alterations of the cellular lipidome, we performed undirected lipidomics in fibroblasts from patients with carnitine palmitoyltransferase II, very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase. We demonstrate a deep remodeling of mitochondrial cardiolipins. The aberrant phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine ratio and the increased content of plasmalogens and of lysophospholipids support the theory of an inflammatory phenotype in lc-FAOD. Moreover, we describe increased ratios of sphingomyelin/ceramide and sphingomyelin/hexosylceramide in LCHAD deficiency which may contribute to the neuropathic phenotype of LCHADD/mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency.

Pharmacokinetic and Lipidomic Assessment of the In Vivo Effects of Parishin A-Isorhynchophylline in Rat Migraine Models

Migraine is a chronic brain disease that leads to periodic neurological attacks. Parishin A and isorhynchophylline (PI) is the active monomer component extracted from the traditional antimigraine Chinese medicinal combination of Gastrodia and Uncaria, respectively. In this study, using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) technology, we performed pharmacokinetic and lipidomic study on migraine model rats after administration of PI. For the detection of the compounds in plasma, AB Sciex Triple Quad™ 4500 was applied for quantitative analysis, and the COSMOSIL C₁₈ column (2.1 × 100 mm, 2.6 μm) was used for separation. Isorhynchophylline (ISO: m/z 384.8-241.2) and its main metabolite rhynchophylline (RHY: m/z 384.8-160.2) were simultaneously detected under positive ion modes. Besides, parishin A (PA: m/z 995.1-726.9) and its main metabolite gastrodin (GAS: m/z 331.1-123.0) were simultaneously detected with negative ion modes. For the analysis of endogenous lipid components, Dionex Ultimate 3000 (UHPLC) Thermo Orbitrap Elite was applied for the detection, and the Waters UPLCRBEH C₁₈ column (1.7 μm 100 ∗ 2.1 mm) was used for separation. Chloroform/methanol (2 : 1, v : v) was used for extraction. The results demonstrated that PI exists significant difference in metabolism between single- and coadministration and can regulate lipid levels associated with migraine.

The impact of Dl-3-n-butylphthalide on the lipidomics of the hippocampus in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced depression

Elevated inflammation is commonly observed in depression, but whether this association is causal is not determined. Our previous basic research indicated that Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) possessed an anti-inflammatory effect. Additional recent evidence consistently suggests that depression is associated with lipid metabolism. Therefore, our study performed an untargeted lipidomics approach of ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) to reveal the potential discriminating lipid profile of the hippocampus for NBP involvement in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression. Male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly allocated to one of three groups (n = 6): control, LPS-induced model of depression (LPS), or NBP involvement in the LPS-induced model of depression (LPS + NBP). Statistical analysis was used to identify differential hippocampus lipids in the LPS, NBP + LPS, and control groups. Our study demonstrated that most of the differentially expressed lipid metabolites were involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI)-anchor biosynthesis, which may partially account for the pathophysiological process of depression. However, more pre-clinical and clinical evidence is warranted to determine the extent and consistency of the role of NBP and further elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying inflammation-induced depression.

Sex-specific perturbation of complex lipids in response to medium-chain fatty acids in very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency

Very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD) is the most common defect of long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation. The recommended treatment includes the application of medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs). However, long-term treatment of VLCAD^-/- mice resulted in the development of a sex-specific metabolic syndrome due to the selective activation of the ERK/mTORc1 signalling in females and ERK/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma pathway in males. In order to investigate a subsequent sex-specific effect of MCT on the lipid composition of the cellular membranes, we performed lipidomic analysis, SILAC-based quantitative proteomics and gene expression in fibroblasts from WT and VLCAD^-/- mice of both sexes. Treatment with octanoate (C8) affected the composition of complex lipids resulting in a sex-specific signature of the molecular profile. The content of ceramides and sphingomyelins in particular differed significantly under control conditions and increased markedly in cells from mutant female mice but remained unchanged in cells from mutant males. Moreover, we observed a specific upregulation of biosynthesis of plasmalogens only in male mice, whereas in females C8 led to the accumulation of higher concentration of phosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylcholines. Our data on membrane lipids in VLCAD after supplementation with C8 provide evidence of a sex-specific lipid perturbation. We hypothesize a likely C8-induced pro-inflammatory response contributing to the development of a severe metabolic syndrome in female VLCAD^-/- mice on long-term MCT supplementation.

The role of dihydrosphingolipids in disease

Dihydrosphingolipids refer to sphingolipids early in the biosynthetic pathway that do not contain a C4-trans-double bond in the sphingoid backbone: 3-ketosphinganine (3-ketoSph), dihydrosphingosine (dhSph), dihydrosphingosine-1-phosphate (dhS1P) and dihydroceramide (dhCer). Recent advances in research related to sphingolipid biochemistry have shed light on the importance of sphingolipids in terms of cellular signalling in health and disease. However, dihydrosphingolipids have received less attention and research is lacking especially in terms of their molecular mechanisms of action. This is despite studies implicating them in the pathophysiology of disease, for example dhCer in predicting type 2 diabetes in obese individuals, dhS1P in cardiovascular diseases and dhSph in hepato-renal toxicity. This review gives a comprehensive summary of research in the last 10-15 years on the dihydrosphingolipids, 3-ketoSph, dhSph, dhS1P and dhCer, and their relevant roles in different diseases. It also highlights gaps in research that could be of future interest.

A splice variant in the ACSL5 gene relates migraine with fatty acid activation in mitochondria

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in migraine are providing the molecular basis of this heterogeneous disease, but the understanding of its aetiology is still incomplete. Although some biomarkers have currently been accepted for migraine, large amount of studies for identifying new ones is needed. The migraine-associated variant rs12355831:A>G (P=2 × 10⁻⁶), described in a GWAS of the International Headache Genetic Consortium, is localized in a non-coding sequence with unknown function. We sought to identify the causal variant and the genetic mechanism involved in the migraine risk. To this end, we integrated data of RNA sequences from the Genetic European Variation in Health and Disease (GEUVADIS) and genotypes from 1000 GENOMES of 344 lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), to determine the expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in the region. We found that the migraine-associated variant belongs to a linkage disequilibrium block associated with the expression of an acyl-coenzyme A synthetase 5 (ACSL5) transcript lacking exon 20 (ACSL5-Δ20). We showed by exon-skipping assay a direct causality of rs2256368-G in the exon 20 skipping of approximately 20 to 40% of ACSL5 RNA molecules. In conclusion, we identified the functional variant (rs2256368:A>G) affecting ACSL5 exon 20 skipping, as a causal factor linked to the migraine-associated rs12355831:A>G, suggesting that the activation of long-chain fatty acids by the spliced ACSL5-Δ20 molecules, a mitochondrial located enzyme, is involved in migraine pathology.