Association of Gastrointestinal Functional Disorders and Migraine Headache: a Population Base Study

Systematic review and meta-analysis of calculating degree of comorbidity of irritable bowel syndrome with migraine

BACKGROUND

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and migraines are often comorbid each other. These disorders are likely to be bidirectionally linked through the gut-brain axis and share several underlying mechanisms including central nervous system sensitization. However, quantitative analysis of comorbidity was not reported enough. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to calculate the present degree of comorbidity of these two disorders.

METHODS

A literature search was performed searching for articles describing IBS or migraine patients with the same inverse comorbidity. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were then extracted. The total effect estimates were determined and presented by random effect forest plots for the group of articles with IBS patients with migraine and the group of articles on migraine sufferers with comorbid IBS separately. The average results of these plots were compared.

RESULTS

The literature search resulted in initial 358 articles and final 22 articles for the meta-analysis. The total OR values obtained were 2.09 [1.79 - 2.43] in IBS with comorbid migraine or headache, 2.51 [1.76 - 3.58] for migraineurs with comorbid IBS and an overall HR of 1 .62 [1.29 - 2.03] was found for cohort studies of migraine sufferers with comorbid IBS. A similar expression of a selection of other comorbidities was found in IBS and migraine patients, especially for depression and fibromyalgia a strong similarity was found in their expression rate.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review with meta-analysis was the first to combine data on IBS patients with comorbid migraine and migraineurs with comorbid IBS. The fact that closely related existential rates were observed between these two groups should be used as motivation for future research to further investigate these disorders for why this similarity occurs. Mechanisms involved in central hypersensitivity such as genetic risk factors, mitochondrial dysfunction and microbiota are particularly good candidates. Experimental designs in which therapeutic methods for these conditions can be exchanged or combined may also lead to the discovery of more efficient treatment methods.

Evaluation of the pharmacokinetic interactions and safety of atogepant coadministered with esomeprazole

Aim: To investigate potential pharmacokinetic interactions between atogepant and esomeprazole. Methods: Atogepant, esomeprazole, or both were administered to 32 healthy adults in an open-label, nonrandomized, crossover study. Systemic exposure (area under the plasma concentration-time curve [AUC] and peak plasma concentration [Cmax]) for atogepant administered in combination versus alone were compared using a linear mixed effects model. Results: Coadministration with esomeprazole delayed atogepant time to Cmax by ∼1.5 h and reduced Cmax by ∼23% with no statistically significant change in AUC compared with atogepant alone. Administration of atogepant 60 mg alone or in combination with esomeprazole 40 mg was well tolerated in healthy adults. Conclusion: Esomeprazole had no clinically meaningful effect on atogepant pharmacokinetics. Clinical Trial Registration: unregistered phase I study.

Prevalence of migraine in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Migraine headaches affect all ages, from childhood to old age. Migraine attacks cause significant changes in the living conditions of the sick person, including a decrease in personal, social, and occupational performance. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of migraine in Iran through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHOD

In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, the studies associated with the prevalence of migraine using the keywords: migraine, prevalence, and Iran its equivalents in international databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science direct, and Iranian internal information databases, including SID and MagIran, was searched without limit until November 2022. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2) was used to analyze the data. Due to the high number of studies reviewed in this systematic review, the Begg and Mazumdar test was used at a significance level of 0.1, and the corresponding Funnel plot was used to check publication bias. Also, the I2 test was used to check the heterogeneity in this study.

RESULTS

22 records were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of migraine in the general population of Iran was 15.1% (confidence interval 95%: 10.7-20.9), and in this population, the prevalence of migraine was higher in women than in men. The prevalence of migraine based on The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) 2 criteria was reportedly 16.4% (95% CI: 10.8-24.1), and with ICHD3 criteria, this value was reported as 17.1% (95% CI: 7.7-33.6). Based on a survey of 4571 children, the prevalence of migraine was reported to be 5.2% (95% CI: 1.3-18.7). Also, the prevalence of migraine in adolescents was calculated based on eight studies (n = 8820). Accordingly, 11.2% (95% CI: 5.8-20.4) of adolescents have migraines. Meanwhile, the prevalence of migraine in boys was 8.2% (95% CI: 4.8-13.7), and in girls was 8% (95% CI: 6.2-12.7).

CONCLUSION

As a result, the prevalence of migraine in Iran, based on population-based studies, was reported as 15.1%. The result showed a higher prevalence of migraine in the general population than in children and adolescents. It was also found that the prevalence of migraine in women is higher than in men.

[The state of the oropharyngeal microbiome in patients with migraine]

OBJECTIVE

To determine a role of changes in the oropharyngeal microbiome in the development and clinical manifestations of migraine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy patients with migraine, aged 21-56 years, and 15 healthy subjects matched for age and sex were examined using headache diary, MIDAS and VAS, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), microbiological smear examination from the mucous membrane of the posterior wall of the oropharynx with evaluation by the method of mass spectrometry of microbial markers (MSMM) with determination of 57 microorganisms.

RESULTS

The following changes in the oropharynx of individuals with migraine compared with the group of healthy individuals (control group) were found: a) a significant increase in the content of markers of resident (conditionally pathogenic) microorganisms characteristic of chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract (strepto- and staphylococci); b) the appearance of markers of transient microorganisms normally absent, characteristic of the intestinal microflora (clostridia, gram-negative rods, enterobacteria, anaerobes); c) the appearance of viral markers of cytomegaloviruses, Herpes group, Epstein-Barr; d) a significant decrease in the content of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli). All people with migraine had a history or were found on examination to have chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract (sinusitis in 48%, pharyngitis in 43%, tonsillitis in 25% of people), and gastrointestinal diseases. Dyspepsia was the most frequent and pronounced of the gastrointestinal syndromes on the GSRS in people with migraine (87%). This corresponds to the data on the extremely frequent occurrence of IBS (70% of patients) and other gastrointestinal pathology obtained from the patient history.

CONCLUSION

In our work, the microbiota of the oropharynx in patients with migraine was studied for the first time using a new MSMM method. Disturbance of the oropharyngeal microbiome compared to the norm was detected in 100% of people with migraine. The changes characteristic of most patients included a significant decrease in the content of normal flora, an increase in the concentration of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms and the appearance of pathogenic microflora characteristic of chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract, which may indicate their role in the pathogenesis of migraine.

An investigation of the relationship between cutaneous allodynia and kinesiophobia, gastrointestinal system symptom severity, physical activity and disability in individuals with migraine

Background

To investigate the relationship between cutaneous allodynia (CA) and kinesiophobia, gastrointestinal system (GIS) symptom severity, physical activity, and disability, and to determine whether CA, pain, and disability were influencing factors for kinesiophobia, GIS symptoms, and physical activity in individuals with migraine.

Methods

The study included 144 individuals with migraine. CA, kinesiophobia, GIS symptoms, physical activity level, and migraine-related disability were evaluated with the Allodynia Symptom Checklist, the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS), the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-7, and the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), respectively.

Results

The CA severity was only associated with TKS (r = 0.515; P < 0.001), GSRS-total (r = 0.336; P < 0.001), GSRS-abdominal pain (r = 0.323; P < 0.001), GSRS-indigestion (r = 0.257; P = 0.002), GSRS-constipation (r = 0.371; P < 0.001), and MIDAS scores (r = 0.178; P = 0.033). Attack frequency (P = 0.015), attack duration (P = 0.035) and presence of CA (P < 0.001) were risk factors for kinesiophobia. Attack frequency (P = 0.027) and presence of CA (P = 0.004) were risk factors for GIS symptoms.

Conclusions

There was a relationship between the CA and kinesiophobia, GIS symptoms, and disability. CA and attack frequency were found to be risk factors for kinesiophobia and GIS symptoms. Migraine patients with CA should be assessed in terms of kinesiophobia, GIS, and disability. Lifestyle changes such as exercise and dietary changes and/or pharmacological treatment options for CA may increase success in migraine management.

Evaluation of a Polyherbal Formulation on the Management of Migraine Headaches due to Functional Dyspepsia: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

A holistic concept based on traditional Persian medicine (TPM) describes a headache with a gastrointestinal (GI) origin (gastric-headache). Although the neurological manifestations of this headache are similar to those of other headaches, its etiology is different. Considering its simultaneous effects on the brain and GI system, a formulation was designed based on this concept. This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of the designed formulation on migraine headache (MH) associated with functional dyspepsia (FD). A total of 75 diagnosed cases of MH patients with concurrent FD were randomly divided equally into 3 groups: (i) the polyherbal formulation, sodium valproate (VPA), and amitriptyline group, (ii) VPA, amitriptyline, and polyherbal formulation placebo group, and (iii) the polyherbal formulation and VPA placebo group. The primary outcomes, including frequency, duration, and severity of MH attacks, were measured at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12. However, secondary outcomes, including the Headache Impact Test 6 (HIT-6) Questionnaire and Parkman's score, were evaluated at baseline and end of treatment. The frequency, duration, and severity of migraine (P < 0.001 for all cases), HIT-6 (P < 0.001 for all cases), and FD (P < 0.001 for all cases) scores at the end of treatment showed a significant decrease in the 3 groups compared to the baseline. However, the differences in those variables between the 3 groups were not significant at the end of the study. The polyherbal formulation alone may improve the symptoms of migraine patients and other groups. This effect could be due to improving digestion and FD in migraine patients.

Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome after an Epidemic of Gastroenteritis in South of Iran

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disabling condition without a well-defined etiology. Infectious gastroenteritis (IGE) has been linked to this syndrome. There are few data from Iran on this association. Methods: In August 2018, an epidemic of IGE caused by Escherichia coli occurred in a village in the west of Shiraz in southern Iran. One year after this epidemic, the occurrence of IBS was surveyed in those who suffered from IGE based on Rome IV criteria in that village. Results: Of 179 patients included in the present study, 17 patients (9.5%) had post-infectious (PI)-IBS. There was no difference in age, sex, antibiotic use, hematochezia, duration of infectious diarrhea, fever, and weight loss at the time of IGE between those with and without PI-IBS. Conclusion: PI-IBS is common after IGE, but no risk factor for its development was found in this study.

On the Association between Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Extragastric Manifestations

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and extragastric manifestations such as headache, fatigue, and dizziness. A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Athens, where patients with GI problems and extragastric symptoms were treated only for their GI problems, and improvement in extragastric manifestations was recorded. Inclusion criteria were an age older than 18 years, the presence of at least one of the three extragastric symptoms investigated in this study (headache, dizziness, and fatigue), and the concomitant presence of at least one gastrointestinal symptom (e.g., nausea, belching, abdominal tenderness, epigastric pain, halitosis, flatulence, diarrhea, bad odor of flatulence, flatulence, and constipation). A standardized questionnaire was used to collect demographic data (such as age, weight, and height), patients' symptoms, laboratory findings (gastric biopsy, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy), and intensity/frequency of GI and extragastric symptoms. Statistically significant associations were found between GI symptoms (nausea, constipation, halitosis, and belching) and dizziness, fatigue, and headache (frequency, intensity, and duration). Treatment of GI problems resulted in a significant improvement in extragastric symptoms within one month of treatment initiation. It should be emphasized that the actual reason for the improvement in extragastric symptoms was solely the resolution of the GI problems, as patients did not receive specific treatments for headache, dizziness or fatigue, or other changes in daily life. This study demonstrates the association between extragastric manifestations and GI disorders.

Endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome: similarities and differences in the spectrum of comorbidities

STUDY QUESTION

Do the spectrum and prevalence of comorbidities of endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) overlap?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Despite several overlapping symptoms, the most significantly associated comorbidities of endometriosis and IBS are different and are rather related to the organ systems primarily involved in the index diagnosis.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Endometriosis and IBS both have several similar unspecific symptoms, such as recurrent abdominal pain, cramping and anxiety, and both diseases affect young women and are associated with a number of comorbidities causing a poor quality of life. However, a detailed study, revealing the full spectrum of endometriosis and IBS comorbidities in the same study population, is lacking.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This article presents a retrospective in silico analysis of the data from a large nationwide biobank-based cohort consisting of 121 773 women. After excluding all first- and second-degree relatives, the data of up to 65 421 women were analyzed.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

International Classification of Disease-10 diagnosis main codes associated with endometriosis (N80) and IBS (K58) diagnoses were identified from the Estonian Biobank dataset by linking with the Estonian Health Insurance Fund and other relevant registries. The associations between N80 and K58 and other diagnosis codes were tested using logistic regression, adjusting for age at recruitment and 10 genetic principal components to account for potential population stratification. Bonferroni correction was applied to account for multiple testing.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Both women with endometriosis and IBS suffered from more conditions compared to the control group, with 226 and 428 diagnosis codes statistically significantly more frequent in women with respective diagnosis compared to controls. Women suffering from both conditions had 275 significantly associated comorbidities. A remarkable proportion of women with IBS or endometriosis suffered also from endometriosis (9.0%) or IBS (13.6%), respectively. In endometriosis, the most prevalent diagnoses were related to diseases of the genitourinary system (33 N-category codes) and in women with IBS, the most associated diagnoses were related to digestive disorders and gastrointestinal tract (52 codes from K-category). Among the most significant diagnoses in endometriosis were uterine leiomyomas (D25), menstrual disorders (N92) and infertility (N97) (P < 1 × 10-315 for all), and in IBS, lactose intolerance (E73), gastritis and duodenitis (K29) and functional dyspepsia (K30) were in the top list of most significant comorbidities (P < 1 × 10-315 for all).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The information about the severity stages of endometriosis and subtypes of IBS was not available for analysis. The findings may not be fully extrapolated to all female populations, because all participants were from one geographic area and had good access to health services.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

These findings support previous studies that have found a high prevalence of pre-selected comorbidities in women with endometriosis and IBS. However, taking into account the differences in the full spectrum of comorbidities of endometriosis and IBS may aid in diagnosing these disorders. Women and healthcare providers need to be aware that women with endometriosis are at high risks of complications during pregnancy and should be carefully monitored.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This research was funded by the Estonian Research Council (grant PRG1076), Horizon 2020 innovation grant (ERIN, grant no. EU952516), Enterprise Estonia (grant no. EU48695), MSCA-RISE-2020 project TRENDO (grant no. 101008193) and by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (Projects no. 2014-2020.4.01.15-0012 and no. 2014-2020.4.01.16-0125). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

The potential impact of nutritional intake on symptoms severity in patients with comorbid migraine and irritable bowel syndrome

Background

Specific dietary recommendations for migraine patients with comorbid irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are lacking. This work aimed to study the severity scores of such two common pain-related disorders in relation to various macronutrients and micronutrients intake.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with concomitant migraine and IBS. The frequency and intensity of migraine attacks and the severity of IBS were evaluated. Data on dietary intake were collected using food frequency questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recall.

Results

One-hundred patients with a median age of 36 years participated. The severity scores for migraine and IBS were positively correlated with fat and copper and negatively correlated with fiber and zinc intake. Copper intake was an independent predictor of the severity of both migraine and IBS (P 0.033, < 0.001). Patients with episodic migraine (n = 69) had a significantly higher frequency of cooked, fresh vegetables, and wheat bran bread intake (P 0.009, 0.004, 0.021) and lower frequency of hydrogenated oils intake (P 0.046), in comparison to patients with chronic migraine (n = 31). Patients with moderate intensity of migraine (n = 37) had a significantly higher frequency of herbal drinks intake (P 0.014) than patients with a severe intensity of migraine (n = 63). Patients with mild (n = 13) and moderate IBS (n = 41) had a significantly higher frequency of wheat bran bread and sen bread intake (P 0.003, 0.022) than patients with severe IBS (n = 46).

Conclusion

Patients with comorbid migraine and IBS are advised to adhere to a diet low in fat and copper and rich in fiber and zinc.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-022-02723-0.

The association between gastro-oesophageal reflux and migraine in the paediatric population: a multicentre case-control study

Infantile regurgitation is one of the most common discomforts in the first months of life. Infantile colic and, in older children, functional dyspepsia have been linked to migraine. To date, this is the first study to investigate a possible association between infantile regurgitation and primary headaches in children. This is a case-control study of 195 children aged 6-17 years, with primary headache (migraine, or tension type headache) in 5 European paediatric hospitals. The control group is composed of 240 same-aged children attending with minor injuries during the same period - February 1st 2020 to December 1st 2020. A structured questionnaire identified a history of infantile regurgitation and other functional gastrointestinal disorders for case and control participants. The outcome was the difference in the prevalence of infantile regurgitation among children with or without a diagnosis of primary headache. The analysis showed a significant association between infantile regurgitation and migraine (OR = 1.88, CI 95 = 1.01-3.4, p = 0.04). No association was found between infantile regurgitation and tension type headache (p = 0.33). Subgroup analysis confirmed that the association was only significant for migraine without aura (OR = 2.3, CI 95 = 1.2-4.4, p = 0.01). In a further subgroup analysis, the presence of functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome and abdominal migraine was associated with migraine without aura.

CONCLUSION

The presence of migraine among children aged 6-17 was associated with a history of infantile regurgitation. Additional longitudinal studies are required to confirm whether infantile regurgitation could be considered as a precursor of migraine.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Children suffering from functional gastrointestinal disorders are more likely to be suffering from migraine and tension-type headache as well. • Children suffering from primary headache are more likely to have had infantile colic in their first six month of life.

WHAT IS NEW

• It is the first study to find an association between migraine and infantile regurgitation in children. • These findings could have an impact on the diagnosis and therapeutics of both migraine and infantile regurgitation.

Migraine: A Review on Its History, Global Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Comorbidities

Migraine affects more than one billion individuals each year across the world, and is one of the most common neurologic disorders, with a high prevalence and morbidity, especially among young adults and females. Migraine is associated with a wide range of comorbidities, which range from stress and sleep disturbances to suicide. The complex and largely unclear mechanisms of migraine development have resulted in the proposal of various social and biological risk factors, such as hormonal imbalances, genetic and epigenetic influences, as well as cardiovascular, neurological, and autoimmune diseases. This review presents a comprehensive review of the most up-to-date literature on the epidemiology, and risk factors, as well as highlighting the gaps in our knowledge.

Increased prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in migraine patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Even though evidence showing increased prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among migraine patients exists, it has not been well-established and the magnitude of association varies substantially across the studies. This study aimed to comprehensively compare the prevalence of IBS among migraineurs versus nonmigraineurs using the systematic review and the meta-analysis technique.

METHODS

Two authors independently conducted a literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar database up to April 2020. The eligible study must consist of two groups of participants, migraineurs and nonmigraineurs, and report the prevalence of IBS in both groups. Alternatively, an eligible study may report the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of the association between migraine and IBS. Point estimates and standard errors from each eligible study were combined together using the generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird.

RESULTS

Of the 2531 articles identified from the three databases, 11 studies with a total of 28 336 migraineurs and 1 535 758 nonmigraineurs met the selection criteria and were included into the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis found that migraineurs had a significantly higher prevalence of IBS than nonmigraineurs with the pooled OR of 2.49 (95% CI, 2.22-2.78; I2, 42%). The funnel plot was asymmetric and suggested the presence of publication bias.

CONCLUSION

A significantly increased prevalence of IBS among patients with migraine was demonstrated in this study.

Evaluation of the Pharmacokinetic Interaction and Safety of Ubrogepant Coadministered With Esomeprazole Magnesium

Ubrogepant is a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist for the acute treatment of migraine. Esomeprazole magnesium increases intragastric pH, which may affect oral ubrogepant absorption. This open-label, nonrandomized, crossover trial evaluated esomeprazole magnesium's impact on the pharmacokinetics and safety of coadministered ubrogepant in healthy adults. Participants received ubrogepant 100 mg on day 1, esomeprazole magnesium 40 mg on days 9 to 13, and ubrogepant 100 mg with esomeprazole magnesium 40 mg on day 14. No effect on ubrogepant pharmacokinetics was concluded if 90% confidence intervals of geometric mean ratios were within 80% to 125% for comparison of pharmacokinetic parameters between ubrogepant + esomeprazole magnesium versus ubrogepant alone. Thirty participants enrolled (mean age, 31.7 years; 53.3% males). Ubrogepant peak plasma concentration (C_max ) decreased 23%, time to C_max increased by 1.5 hours, and area under the plasma concentration-time curve was reduced by ≈10% when coadministered with esomeprazole magnesium versus ubrogepant alone. The 90% confidence interval of the geometric mean ratio for C_max did not fall within the 80% to 125% equivalence range, but the decrease was not considered clinically meaningful. Esomeprazole magnesium coadministered with ubrogepant did not increase the incidence rate of treatment-emergent adverse events, and interactions between the medications are likely to have limited clinical relevance.

Brain to Belly: Abdominal Variants of Migraine and Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders Associated With Migraine

Migraine is one of the most frequent causes of primary headache and 9% of children suffer from migraines. Most children will continue to experience migraine attacks as adults, therefore it is imperative that we have a thorough understanding of this major health issue. This article considers the so-called abdominal variants of migraine, which are more commonly seen in children rather than adults: abdominal migraine, cyclic vomiting syndrome, and infantile colic. Other functional abdominal pain disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia have also been linked to migraine in clinical studies. The common pathophysiological root of these diseases seems to be the gut-brain axis mechanism. Abdominal variants of migraine are considered pediatric precursors of migraine whereas the functional abdominal pain disorders related to migraine seem to share a pathophysiological root with no temporarily link as for today. In this review we aim to describe the epidemiological background, the current pathophysiological theories and the relationship of each disease to migraine. This review is the first to compile abdominal variants of migraine and functional abdominal pain disorders associated with migraine and we endeavor to elucidate the broad spectrum of migraine-related episodes in children.

Kynurenine Pathway of Tryptophan Metabolism in Migraine and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Migraine, the leading cause of disability in the population aged below 50, is associated with functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (FGIDs) such as functional nausea, cyclic vomiting syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Conversely, changes in intestinal GI transit may cause diarrhea or constipation and are a component of the autonomic symptoms associated with pre- and post-dorsal phases of migraine attack. These mutual relationships provoke a question on a common trigger in migraine and FGIDs. The kynurenine (l-kyn) pathway (KP) is the major route for l-tryptophan (l-Trp) metabolism and transforms l-Trp into several neuroactive compounds. Changes in KP were reported in both migraine and FGIDs. Migraine was largely untreatable, but several drugs approved lately by the FDA, including monoclonal antibodies for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its receptor, create a hope for a breakthrough in migraine treatment. Derivatives of l-kyn were efficient in pain relief with a mechanism including CGRP inhibition. KP products are important ligands to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), whose activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of GI and migraine. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may play a role in migraine and IBS pathogeneses, and KP metabolites detected downstream of TLR activation may be an IBS marker. The TLR4 signaling was observed in initiating and maintaining migraine-like behavior through myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) in the mouse. The aim of this review is to justify the view that KP modulation may provide common triggers for migraine and FGIDs with the involvement of TLR, AhR, and MyD88 activation.

Phenome-wide analysis highlights putative causal relationships between self-reported migraine and other complex traits

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a complex neurological disorder that is considered the most common disabling brain disorder affecting 14 % of people worldwide. The present study sought to infer potential causal relationships between self-reported migraine and other complex traits, using genetic data and a hypothesis-free approach.

METHODS

We leveraged available summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 1,504 phenotypes and self-reported migraine and inferred pair-wise causal relationships using the latent causal variable (LCV) method.

RESULTS

We identify 18 potential causal relationships between self-reported migraine and other complex traits. Hypertension and blood clot formations were causally associated with an increased migraine risk, possibly through vasoconstriction and platelet clumping. We observed that sources of abdominal pain and discomfort might influence a higher risk for migraine. Moreover, occupational and environmental factors such as working with paints, thinner or glues, and being exposed to diesel exhaust were causally associated with higher migraine risk. Psychiatric-related phenotypes, including stressful life events, increased migraine risk. In contrast, ever feeling unenthusiastic / disinterested for a whole week, a phenotype related to the psychological well-being of individuals, was a potential outcome of migraine.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our results suggest a potential vascular component to migraine, highlighting the role of vasoconstriction and platelet clumping. Stressful life events and occupational variables potentially influence a higher migraine risk. Additionally, a migraine could impact the psychological well-being of individuals. Our findings provide novel testable hypotheses for future studies that may inform the design of new interventions to prevent or reduce migraine risk and recurrence.

Lasmiditan in patients with common migraine comorbidities: a post hoc efficacy and safety analysis of two phase 3 randomized clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

Determine whether common migraine comorbidities affect the efficacy and safety of lasmiditan, a 5-HT_1F receptor agonist approved in the United States for the acute treatment of migraine.

METHODS

In SPARTAN and SAMURAI (double-blind Phase 3 clinical trials), patients with migraine were randomized to oral lasmiditan 50 mg (SPARTAN only), 100mg, 200 mg, or placebo. Lasmiditan increased the proportion of pain-free and most bothersome symptom (MBS)-free patients at 2 h after dose compared with placebo. Most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were dizziness, paraesthesia, somnolence, fatigue, nausea, muscular weakness, and hypoesthesia. Based upon literature review of common migraine comorbidities, Anxiety, Allergy, Bronchial, Cardiac, Depression, Fatigue, Gastrointestinal, Hormonal, Musculoskeletal/Pain, Neurological, Obesity, Sleep, and Vascular Comorbidity Groups were created. Using pooled results, efficacy and TEAEs were assessed to compare patients with or without a given common migraine comorbidity. To compare treatment groups, p-values were calculated for treatment-by-subgroup interaction, based on logistic regression with treatment-by-comorbidity condition status (Yes/No) as the interaction term; study, treatment group, and comorbidity condition status (Yes/No) were covariates. Differential treatment effect based upon comorbidity status was also examined. Trial registration at clinicaltrials.gov: SAMURAI (NCT02439320) and SPARTAN (NCT02605174).

RESULTS

Across all the Comorbidity Groups, with the potential exception of fatigue, treatment-by-subgroup interaction analyses did not provide evidence of a lasmiditan-driven lasmiditan versus placebo differential treatment effect dependent on Yes versus No comorbidity subgroup for either efficacy or TEAE assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy and safety of lasmiditan for treatment of individual migraine attacks appear to be independent of comorbid conditions.

A preliminary report on the use of Midodrine in treating refractory gastroesophageal disease: Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Background:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease with various clinical presentations. Acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors and lifestyle modification may not lead to satisfactory response in a substantial portion of patients. We investigated the possible effect of midodrine in patients with refractory GERD.

Methods:

Patients suffering from GERD and were refractory to one-month course of pantoprazole 40mg twice daily entered the study. This was a pilot, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. After randomization, one group received Midodrine 5mg before meals for one month, and the other group received placebo for the same period. Meanwhile, pantoprazole was continued 40mg twice daily in both arms. The severity of symptoms was evaluated by the visual scoring system. Quality of life (QoL) in both groups was measured using a standardized version of Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia questionnaire (QOLRAD).

Results:

A total of twenty patients were enrolled in this study. There was a significant interaction between the groups and time on all measured scores based on QOLRAD questionnaire. All the markers in the Midodrine group had significant improvement over time, but the placebo group did not show any significant improvement. Both visual severity score and total QoL score in Midodrine arm showed a U shape change during 6 weeks.

Conclusions:

Midodrine before a meal could be useful in alleviating symptoms and improving QoL in the patients with refractory gastroesophageal disease. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Gut-brain Axis and migraine headache: a comprehensive review

The terminology "gut-brain axis "points out a bidirectional relationship between the GI system and the central nervous system (CNS). To date, several researches have shown that migraine is associated with some gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and celiac disease (CD). The present review article aims to discuss the direct and indirect evidence suggesting relationships between migraine and the gut-brain axis. However, the mechanisms explaining how the gut and the brain may interact in patients with migraine are not entirely clear. Studies suggest that this interaction seems to be influenced by multiple factors such as inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α), gut microbiota profile, neuropeptides and serotonin pathway, stress hormones and nutritional substances. Neuropeptides including CGRP, SP, VIP, NPY are thought to have antimicrobial impact on a variety of the gut bacterial strains and thus speculated to be involved in the bidirectional relationship between the gut and the brain. According to the current knowledge, migraine headache in patients harboring HP might be improved following the bacteria eradication. Migraineurs with long headache history and high headache frequency have a higher chance of being diagnosed with IBS. IBS and migraine share some similarities and can alter gut microflora composition and thereby may affect the gut-brain axis and inflammatory status. Migraine has been also associated with CD and the condition should be searched particularly in patients with migraine with occipital and parieto-occipital calcification at brain neuroimaging. In those patients, gluten-free diet can also be effective in reducing migraine frequency. It has also been proposed that migraine may be improved by dietary approaches with beneficial effects on gut microbiota and gut-brain axis including appropriate consumption of fiber per day, adhering to a low glycemic index diet, supplementation with vitamin D, omega-3 and probiotics as well as weight loss dietary plans for overweight and obese patients.

Uncovering Demographic, Clinical, Triggering Factors Similarities Between Migraine and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Prospective Study

The objective was to uncover demographical and clinical factors associated with migraine and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a group of patients experiencing both painful disorders and to identify their triggering factors. A prospective study was performed between January 2016 and June 2017. Clinical characteristics and potential generating factors for both pathologies were then assessed using validated questionnaires. Our study showed that the percentage of patients diagnosed with migraine and having IBS was 34.3%. Compared with patients with migraine alone, patients having both diseases were identified with higher prevalence of concomitant chronic/psychiatric diseases, lower frequency of migraine attacks, and lower prevalence of throbbing/distressing/enervating pain and concentration difficulties than patients with migraine alone. Moreover, patients in this subgroup had moderate abdominal pain intensity, and constipation was the predominant stool type. Finally, some dietary and environmental factors seem to be significantly important triggering factors of migraine/IBS pain.

[Migraine prophylaxis with a probiotic. Results of an uncontrolled observational study with 1,020 patients]

BACKGROUND

Patients with migraine often also suffer from gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease. All these diseases share increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") and thus increased inflammatory activity. There is an increase in proinflammatoric cytokines in the serum, which in turn can trigger migraine attacks. Probiotics can have a positive effect on the intestinal epithelium and reduce inflammatory activity. A first uncontrolled, small study of 39 migraineurs showed a decrease in the rate of attacks under the daily intake of a probiotic.

METHOD

In an uncontrolled observational study, the influence of a specially formulated multispecies probiotic on the frequency of migraine attacks and the intensity of migraine-associated complaints was recorded. The self-assessment of 1,020 patients was evaluated.

RESULTS

Over the treatment period of 8 weeks, the number of headache days was reduced from 2 to 1.4 days per week. The headache intensity decreased from 5.1 to 2.1 points (0 = not present to 6 = very intensive). The migraine-associated complaints were reduced and the use of painkillers halved. All results were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It can be suggested that this multispecies probiotic formulation has a positive influence on intensity and frequency of migraine attacks. However, randomized, placebo-controlled trials are required for further confirmation.