A link between migraine and prolactin: the way forward

Association between serum folate levels and migraine or severe headaches: A nationwide cross-sectional study

Migraine and severe headaches are common neurological disorders with significant societal impact. Previous research indicates a potential link between serum folate levels and migraine occurrence, yet there is a lack of sufficient relevant studies and more are required. This study aimed to determine the association between a severe headache or migraine and serum folate levels in large populations. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we conducted a cross-sectional study. Using multivariable logistic regression models, we investigated the association between serum folate and severe headache or migraine. In a subsequent subgroup analysis, several confounding factors were also explored to investigate the association between migraine and serum folate. A total of 13,351 individuals participated in the study, with 2742 reporting severe headache or migraine in the previous 3 months. Serum folate was negatively associated with severe headache or migraine (odds ratio [OR] = 0.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.28-0.89, P = .018). The stratified analysis revealed this association persisted among female (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.18-0.82, P < .001), individuals aged 20 to 50 years (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.28-0.99, P < .001), and non-Hispanic White participants (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.17-0.87, P < .001). We found that greater levels of serum folate were significantly related to a decreased likelihood of migraine onset, especially among women, young and middle-aged populations, and non-Hispanic White participants. Further research is required to validate and expand upon our results.

The influence of sex on neuroimmune communication, pain, and physiology

With the National Institutes of Health's mandate to consider sex as a biological variable (SABV), there has been a significant increase of studies utilizing both sexes. Historically, we have known that biological sex and hormones influence immunological processes and now studies focusing on interactions between the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems are revealing sex differences that influence pain behavior and various molecular and biochemical processes. Neuroendocrine-immune interactions represent a key integrative discipline that will reveal critical processes in each field as it pertains to novel mechanisms in sex differences and necessary therapeutics. Here we appraise preclinical and clinical literature to discuss these interactions and key pathways that drive cell- and sex-specific differences in immunity, pain, and physiology.

Association between dietary folate intake and severe headache among adults in the USA: a cross-sectional survey

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin. Previous studies on dietary folate intake in severe headache patients were equivocal. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study to elucidate the relationship between folate intake and severe headache. This cross-sectional study used data from participants over 20 years old who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2004. The diagnosis of severe headache was made through participants' self-report in the NHANES questionnaire section. We performed multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression to explore the relationship between folate intake and severe headache. A total of 9859 participants took part in the study, 1965 of whom were severe headache patients and the rest were non-severe headache. We found that dietary folate intake was significantly and inversely associated with severe headache. Compared with participants with lower folate intake Q1 (≤ 229·97 ug/d), the adjusted OR values for dietary folate intake and severe headache in Q2 (229·98-337 ug/d), Q3 (337·01-485 ug/d) and Q4 (≥ 485·01 ug/d) were 0·81 (95 % CI: 0·67, 0·98, P = 0·03), 0·93 (95 % CI: 0·77, 1·12, P = 0·41) and 0·63 (95 % CI: 0·49, 0·80, P < 0·001), respectively. For women aged 20-50 years, there was a non-linear association between folate intake and severe headache in the RCS. Women aged 20-50 years should have higher awareness of dietary folate and increase their dietary intake of folate, which may aid in preventing severe headache.

Understanding the Biological Relationship between Migraine and Depression

Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder. Among the risk factors identified, psychiatric comorbidities, such as depression, seem to play an important role in its onset and clinical course. Patients with migraine are 2.5 times more likely to develop a depressive disorder; this risk becomes even higher in patients suffering from chronic migraine or migraine with aura. This relationship is bidirectional, since depression also predicts an earlier/worse onset of migraine, increasing the risk of migraine chronicity and, consequently, requiring a higher healthcare expenditure compared to migraine alone. All these data suggest that migraine and depression may share overlapping biological mechanisms. Herein, this review explores this topic in further detail: firstly, by introducing the common epidemiological and risk factors for this comorbidity; secondly, by focusing on providing the cumulative evidence of common biological aspects, with a particular emphasis on the serotoninergic system, neuropeptides such as calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), substance P, neuropeptide Y and orexins, sexual hormones, and the immune system; lastly, by remarking on the future challenges required to elucidate the etiopathological mechanisms of migraine and depression and providing updated information regarding new key targets for the pharmacological treatment of these clinical entities.

Considerations for hormonal therapy in migraine patients: a critical review of current practice

INTRODUCTION

Migraine, a neurovascular headache disorder, is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Within the multifaceted pathophysiology of migraine, hormonal fluctuations play an evident triggering and exacerbating role, pointing toward the need for identification and proper usage of both existing and new hormonal targets in migraine treatment.

AREAS COVERED

With a threefold higher incidence of migraine in women than in men, the authors delve into sex hormone-related events in migraine patients. A comprehensive overview is given of existing hormonal therapies, including oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, transdermal and subcutaneous estradiol patches, gnRH-agonists, oral testosterone, and 5α reductase inhibitors. The authors discuss their effectiveness and risks, noting their suitability for different patient profiles. Next, novel evolving hormonal treatments, such as oxytocin and prolactin, are explored. Lastly, the authors cover hormonal conditions associated with migraine, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and transgender persons receiving gender affirming hormone therapy, aiming to provide more personalized and effective solutions for migraine management.

EXPERT OPINION

Rigorous research into both existing and new hormonal targets, as well as the underlying pathophysiology, is needed to support a tailored approach in migraine treatment, in an ongoing effort to alleviate the impact of migraine on individuals and society.

Molecular mechanisms of hormones implicated in migraine and the translational implication for transgender patients

Migraine is a primary headache disorder recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the most poorly understood and debilitating neurological conditions impacting global disability. Chronic pain disorders are more frequently diagnosed among cisgender women than men, suggesting that female sex hormones could be responsible for mediating chronic pain, including migraine and/or that androgens can be protective. This review discusses the major gonadal hormones, estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone in the context of molecular mechanisms by which they play a role in migraine pathophysiology. In addition, the literature to date describing roles of minor sex hormones including prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicular stimulating hormone, and gonadotropin releasing hormone in migraine are presented. Because transgender and gender non-conforming (trans*) individuals are an underserved patient population in which gender-affirming sex hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often medically necessary to align biological sex with gender identity, results from cisgender patient populations are discussed in the context of these major and minor sex hormones on migraine incidence and management in trans* patients.

Antipsychotic-Related Prolactin Levels and Sexual Dysfunction in Mentally Ill Youth: A 3-Month Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Although these agents are used frequently, prospective data comparing serotonin/dopamine antagonists/partial agonists (SDAs) in youth regarding prolactin levels and sexual adverse effects (SeAEs) are scarce.

METHOD

Youth aged 4 to 17 years, SDA-naive (≤1 week exposure) or SDA-free for ≥4 weeks were followed for ≤12 weeks on clinician's-choice aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, or risperidone. Serum prolactin levels, SDA plasma levels, and rating scale-based SeAEs were assessed monthly.

RESULTS

Altogether, 396 youth (aged 14.0 ± 3.1 years, male participants = 55.1%, mood spectrum disorders = 56.3%, schizophrenia spectrum disorders = 24.0%, aggressive-behavior disorders = 19.7%; SDA-naive = 77.8%) were followed for 10.6 ± 3.5 weeks. Peak prolactin levels/any hyperprolactinemia/triple-upper-limit-of-normal-prolactin level were highest with risperidone (median = 56.1 ng/mL/incidence = 93.5%/44.5%), followed by olanzapine (median = 31.4 ng/mL/incidence = 42.7/76.4%/7.3%), quetiapine (median = 19.5 ng/mL/incidence = 39.7%/2.5%) and aripiprazole (median = 7.1 ng/mL/incidence = 5.8%/0.0%) (all p < .0001), with peak levels at 4 to 5 weeks for risperidone and olanzapine. Altogether, 26.8% had ≥1 newly incident SeAEs (risperidone = 29.4%, quetiapine = 29.0%, olanzapine = 25.5%, aripiprazole = 22.1%, p = .59). The most common SeAEs were menstrual disturbance = 28.0% (risperidone = 35.4%, olanzapine = 26.7%, quetiapine = 24.4% aripiprazole = 23.9%, p = .58), decreased erections = 14.8% (olanzapine = 18.5%, risperidone = 16.1%, quetiapine = 13.6%, aripiprazole = 10.8%, p = .91) and decreased libido = 8.6% (risperidone = 12.5%, olanzapine = 11.9%, quetiapine = 7.9%, aripiprazole = 2.4%, p = .082), with the least frequent being gynecomastia = 7.8% (quetiapine = 9.7%, risperidone = 9.2%, aripiprazole = 7.8%, olanzapine = 2.6%, p = 0.61), galactorrhea = 6.7% (risperidone = 18.8%, quetiapine = 2.4%, olanzapine = 0.0%, aripiprazole = 0.0%, p = .0008), and mastalgia = 5.8% (olanzapine = 7.3%, risperidone = 6.4%, aripiprazole = 5.7%, quetiapine = 3.9%, p = .84). Postpubertal status and female sex were significantly associated with prolactin levels and SeAEs. Serum prolactin levels were rarely associated with SeAEs (16.7% of all analyzed associations), except for the relationship between severe hyperprolactinemia and decreased libido (p = .013) and erectile dysfunction (p = .037) at week 4, and with galactorrhea at week 4 (p = .0040), week 12 (p = .013), and last visit (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Risperidone, followed by olanzapine, was associated with the largest prolactin elevations, with little prolactin-elevating effects of quetiapine and, especially, aripiprazole. Except for risperidone-related galactorrhea, SeAEs did not differ significantly across SDAs, and only galactorrhea, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction were associated with prolactin levels. In youth, SeAEs are not sensitive markers for significantly elevated prolactin levels.

Comorbidities of Rural Children and Adolescents with Migraine and without Migraine

(1) Background: Migraine is associated with comorbidities that are common in the general rural pediatric population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences in the occurrence of comorbidities between rural children and adolescents with and without migraine. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional, secondary data analysis using electronic medical records of 1296 patients (53.8% females, aged 12.4 ± 3.2) was completed. Mann-Whitney U test was used to detect the difference in the number of comorbidities between the two groups. Chi-square test was used to identify the differences in the number of comorbidities, which were classified as low (0-1 comorbidities), medium (2-3 comorbidities), and high (4 or plus comorbidities) degree of comorbidities. (3) Results: Significant differences were found between those children and adolescents with migraine vs. those without for depression (p < 0.0001), anxiety (p < 0.0001), and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS; p = 0.0309). A marginally significant difference was found between those children and adolescents with migraine (47.2%; n = 306) vs. those without (42.1%; n = 273) for unhealthy weight (p = 0.0652). Approximately 40% of the migraineurs had 2-3 comorbidities, whereas 32% of the non-migraineurs had 2-3 comorbidities (p = 0.0003). (4) Conclusions: Findings demonstrate the importance of identifying comorbidities associated with rural pediatric migraine in order to develop effective treatment strategies that optimize patient outcomes.

Kappa opioid receptor agonists produce sexually dimorphic and prolactin-dependent hyperalgesic priming

ABSTRACT

Repeated stress produces hyperalgesic priming in preclinical models, but underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. As stress engages kappa opioid receptors (KORs), we hypothesized that repeated administration of KOR agonists might mimic, in part, stress-induced hyperalgesic priming. The potential contribution of circulating prolactin (PRL) and dysregulation of the expression of PRL receptor (PRLR) isoforms in sensory neurons after KOR agonist administration was also investigated. Mice received 3 daily doses of U-69593 or nalfurafine as a "first-hit" stimulus followed by assessment of periorbital tactile allodynia. Sixteen days after the first KOR agonist administration, animals received a subthreshold dose of inhalational umbellulone, a TRPA1 agonist, as the second-hit stimulus and periorbital allodynia was assessed. Cabergoline, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, was used to inhibit circulating PRL in additional cohorts. Prolactin receptor isoforms were quantified in the V1 region of the trigeminal ganglion after repeated doses of U-69593. In both sexes, KOR agonists increased circulating PRL and produced allodynia that resolved within 14 days. Hyperalgesic priming, revealed by umbellulone-induced allodynia in animals previously treated with the KOR agonists, also occurred in both sexes. However, repeated U-69593 downregulated the PRLR long isoform in trigeminal neurons only in female mice. Umbellulone-induced allodynia was prevented by cabergoline co-treatment during priming with KOR agonists in female, but not male, mice. Hyperalgesic priming therefore occurs in both sexes after either biased or nonbiased KOR agonists. However, a PRL/PRLR-dependence is observed only in female nociceptors possibly contributing to pain in stress-related pain disorders in females.

Increased serum prolactin level may indicate more migraine attack frequency

OBJECTIVES

Migraine is a common, multifactorial disorder. The exact pathomechanism of migraine remains unclear. Studies have revealed changes in serum prolactin (PRL) levels in relation to migraine, although the results have been inconsistent. The present case-control study assessed the serum level of prolactin in migraine patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, participants were divided into chronic migraine (CM; n = 39), episodic migraine in ictal (during an attack), and interictal (between attacks) phases (n = 63, n = 37, respectively) along with 30 age- and sex-matched headache-free controls. After obtaining demographic, anthropometric data, and headache characteristics, blood samples were gathered and analyzed to evaluate the serum levels of prolactin (ng/mL).

RESULTS

A significant difference was observed between the control, CM, and ictal EM, and interictal EM groups. The mean ± SD serum prolactin levels of the chronic migraineurs (1.82 ± 0.94) and those with ictal EM (1.93 ± 1.70) were comparable and were significantly higher than for interictal EM patients (0.82 ± 0.46) and the headache-free control subjects (0.49 ± 0.15; p < .001). Although the mean serum concentration of prolactin for the interictal EM group tended to be higher than for control individuals, this difference was not statistically significant. The Spearman's correlation test also showed significant correlations between the serum prolactin levels and the number of headaches days among migraineurs.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that there might be an association between increased prolactin concentrations and migraine headache induction and progression. Further detailed and well-designed studies are needed to confirm the importance of serum prolactin levels in the pathogenesis of migraine headaches.

Prolactin and oxytocin: potential targets for migraine treatment

Migraine is a severe neurovascular disorder of which the pathophysiology is not yet fully understood. Besides the role of inflammatory mediators that interact with the trigeminovascular system, cyclic fluctuations in sex steroid hormones are involved in the sex dimorphism of migraine attacks. In addition, the pituitary-derived hormone prolactin and the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin have been reported to play a modulating role in migraine and contribute to its sex-dependent differences. The current narrative review explores the relationship between these two hormones and the pathophysiology of migraine. We describe the physiological role of prolactin and oxytocin, its relationship to migraine and pain, and potential therapies targeting these hormones or their receptors.In summary, oxytocin and prolactin are involved in nociception in opposite ways. Both operate at peripheral and central levels, however, prolactin has a pronociceptive effect, while oxytocin appears to have an antinociceptive effect. Therefore, migraine treatment targeting prolactin should aim to block its effects using prolactin receptor antagonists or monoclonal antibodies specifically acting at migraine-pain related structures. This action should be local in order to avoid a decrease in prolactin levels throughout the body and associated adverse effects. In contrast, treatment targeting oxytocin should enhance its signalling and antinociceptive effects, for example using intranasal administration of oxytocin, or possibly other oxytocin receptor agonists. Interestingly, the prolactin receptor and oxytocin receptor are co-localized with estrogen receptors as well as calcitonin gene-related peptide and its receptor, providing a positive perspective on the possibilities for an adequate pharmacological treatment of these nociceptive pathways. Nevertheless, many questions remain to be answered. More particularly, there is insufficient data on the role of sex hormones in men and the correct dosing according to sex differences, hormonal changes and comorbidities. The above remains a major challenge for future development.

A Meta-Analysis of Antipsychotic-Induced Hypo- and Hyperprolactinemia in Children and Adolescents

Objective: Antipsychotic-related prolactin changes may expose children and adolescents to severe adverse reactions (ARs) related to pubertal development and growth. We therefore aimed to assess the effects of antipsychotics on prolactin levels and associated somatic ARs in children and adolescents. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed and CENTRAL for placebo-controlled randomized trials of antipsychotics in children and adolescents aged ≤18 years, reporting prolactin levels and related ARs. We conducted a random-effect meta-analysis and assessed risk of bias version 2 (ROB2). Results: Thirty-two randomized controlled trials with an average trial duration of 6 weeks, covering 4643 participants with an average age of 13 years and a male majority of 65.3%. Risk of bias across domains was low or unclear. The following antipsychotic compounds: aripiprazole (n = 810), asenapine (n = 506), lurasidone (n = 314), olanzapine (n = 179), paliperidone (n = 149), quetiapine (n = 381), risperidone (n = 609), and ziprasidone (n = 16) were compared with placebo (n = 1658). Compared with placebo, statistically significant higher prolactin increase occurred with risperidone (mean difference [MD] = 28.24 ng/mL), paliperidone (20.98 ng/mL), and olanzapine (11.34 ng/mL). Aripiprazole significantly decreased prolactin (MD = -4.91 ng/mL), whereas quetiapine, lurasidone, and asenapine were not associated with significantly different prolactin levels than placebo. Our results on ziprasidone are based on a single study, making it insufficient to draw strong conclusions. On average, 20.8% of patients treated with antipsychotic developed levels of prolactin that were too high (hyperprolactinemia), whereas only 1.03% of patients reported prolactin-related ARs. Data were highly limited for long-term effects. Conclusions: In children and adolescents, risperidone, paliperidone, and olanzapine are associated with significant prolactin increase, whereas aripiprazole is associated with significant decrease. Despite the significant changes in prolactin level, few ARs were reported. Study protocol on PROSPERO: CRD42018116451.

Nutrients to Improve Mitochondrial Function to Reduce Brain Energy Deficit and Oxidative Stress in Migraine

The mechanisms of migraine pathogenesis are not completely clear, but ³¹P-nuclear magnetic resonance studies revealed brain energy deficit in migraineurs. As glycolysis is the main process of energy production in the brain, mitochondria may play an important role in migraine pathogenesis. Nutrition is an important aspect of migraine pathogenesis, as many migraineurs report food-related products as migraine triggers. Apart from approved anti-migraine drugs, many vitamins and supplements are considered in migraine prevention and therapy, but without strong supportive evidence. In this review, we summarize and update information about nutrients that may be important for mitochondrial functions, energy production, oxidative stress, and that are related to migraine. Additionally, we present a brief overview of caffeine and alcohol, as they are often reported to have ambiguous effects in migraineurs. The nutrients that can be considered to supplement the diet to prevent and/or ameliorate migraine are riboflavin, thiamine, magnesium ions, niacin, carnitine, coenzyme Q10, melatonin, lipoic acid, pyridoxine, folate, and cobalamin. They can supplement a normal, healthy diet, which should be adjusted to individual needs determined mainly by the physiological constitution of an organism. The intake of caffeine and alcohol should be fine-tuned to the history of their use, as withdrawal of these agents in regular users may become a migraine trigger.