The New *G29A and G1222A of HCRTR1, 5-HTTLPR of SLC6A4 Polymorphisms and Hypocretin-1, Serotonin Concentrations in Migraine Patients

Impaired Molecular Mechanisms Contributing to Chronic Pain in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Exploring Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects areas with dense hair follicles and apocrine sweat glands, such as the underarms, groin, buttocks, and lower breasts. Intense pain and discomfort in HS have been commonly noted, primarily due to the lesions' effects on nearby tissues. Pain is a factor that can influence DNA methylation patterns, though its exact role in HS is not fully understood. We aim to identify molecular markers of chronic pain in HS patients. We performed DNA methylome of peripheral blood DNA derived from a group of 24 patients with HS and 24 healthy controls, using Illumina methylation array chips. We identified 253 significantly differentially methylated CpG sites across 253 distinct genes regulating pain sensitization in HS, including 224 hypomethylated and 29 hypermethylated sites. Several genes with pleiotropic roles include transporters (ABCC2, SLC39A8, SLC39A9), wound healing (MIR132, FGF2, PDGFC), ion channel regulators (CACNA1C, SCN1A), oxidative stress mediators (SCN8A, DRD2, DNMT1), cytochromes (CYP19A, CYP1A2), cytokines (TGFB1, IL4), telomere regulators (CSNK1D, SMAD3, MTA1), circadian rhythm (IL1R2, ABCG1, RORA), ultradian rhythms (PHACTR1, TSC2, ULK1), hormonal regulation (PPARA, NR3C1, ESR2), and the serotonin system (HTR1D, HTR1E, HTR3C, HTR4, TPH2). They also play roles in glucose metabolism (POMC, IRS1, GNAS) and obesity (DRD2, FAAH, MMP2). Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis identified 43 pathways, including calcium signaling, cocaine addiction, and nicotine addiction. This study identified multiple differentially methylated genes involved in chronic pain in HS, which may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Understanding their epigenetic regulation is crucial for personalized pain management and could enhance the identification of high-risk patients, leading to better preventative therapies and improved maternal and neonatal outcomes.

New management strategies for primary headache disorders: Insights from P4 medicine

Primary headache disorder is the main cause of headache attacks, leading to significant disability and impaired quality of life. This disorder is increasingly recognized as a heterogeneous condition with a complex network of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. However, the timely diagnosis and effective treatment of these headaches remain challenging. Precision medicine is a potential strategy based on P4 (predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory) medicine that may bring new insights for headache care. Recent machine learning advances and widely available molecular biology and imaging data have increased the usefulness of this medical strategy. Precision medicine emphasizes classifying headaches according to their risk factors, clinical presentation, and therapy responsiveness to provide individualized headache management. Furthermore, early preventive strategies, mainly utilizing predictive tools, are critical in reducing headache attacks and improving the quality of life of individuals with headaches. The current review comprehensively discusses the potential application value of P4 medicine in headache management.

Association analysis of serotonin transporter gene polymorphism among the South-Indian migraineurs

Background: Migraine is a multifactorial neurological disorder characterized by frequent moderate to severe intensity headaches. The genetic variations in synaptic and post-receptor signalling proteins have direct effect on the process of serotonergic neurotransmission. Methods: We aimed to investigate the genetic association of serotonin transporter (SERT) 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism and migraine risk in South-Indian population. A total of 304 subjects with migraine including with aura (MA) and without aura (MO) and 308 controls were included in the present study. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirmed by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing. Results: The genotyping analysis revealed insignificant relationship with migraine subjects when compared with controls (P > 0.05). The minor 'S' allele showed no association with odds ratio (OR) = 1.23 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.90-1.66], heterozygote with OR = 1.18 (95% CI: 0.82-1.69), and homozygote with OR = 1.51 (95% CI: 0.52-4.35). Conclusion: Further clinical studies are required to validate the results of SERT 5-HTTLPR promoter polymorphism in diverse ethnic descents especially in Asian populations.

Polymorphisms and association of GRM1, GNAQ, and HCRTR1 genes with seasonal reproduction and litter size in three sheep breeds

Litter size is one of the important economic traits of livestock. Seasonal estrus, ovulation, and lambing of sheep have severely restricted the development of sheep farming in Xinjiang China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the polymorphisms and genetic correlation between GRM1, GNAQ, and HCRTR1 genes and the seasonal reproduction and litter size in three sheep breeds. The DNA mixed pool sequencing and PCR-SSCP methods were used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GRM1, GNAQ, and HCRTR1 genes in seasonal estrus (Kazakh and Chinese Merino [Xinjiang Junken type]) and perennial estrus (Hu) sheep breeds. The association between genetic polymorphism and litter size was also analyzed. The results showed that T945C in exon 2 of GRM1 gene, C589T in exon 2 of HCRTR1 gene and A191G in exon 2 of GNAQ gene were identified by Sanger sequencing, and three genotypes were existed in each SNP sites, which all belonged to the synonymous mutation. GRM1 (CC), GNAQ (GA) and HCRTR1 (TC) were the dominant genotypes of seasonal reproduction and litter size in Kazakh sheep and Chinese Merino sheep, respectively. While, in perennial estrus Hu sheep populations, the dominant genotypes were GRM1 (TC), GNAQ (GA) and HCRTR1 (TC) respectively, and association analysis was also confirmed the results. Above results implied that GRM1, GNAQ and HCRTR1 genes are significantly associated with lambing traits in Kazakh, Chinese Merino and Hu sheep. Among them, locus of GRM1 (T945C), GNAQ (A191G) and HCRTR1 (C589T) might be considered as a potential molecular marker which controls seasonal reproduction and litter size in sheep.

Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics Studies on Antimigraine Mechanisms of Da Chuan Xiong Fang (DCXF)

Background

Da Chuan Xiong Fang (DCXF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula used to treat migraines. Previously, we uncovered partial mechanisms involved in the therapeutic actions of DCXF on migraines.

Methods

In this study, we further elucidated its antimigraine mechanisms in vivo by using an integrated strategy coupling with network pharmacology and metabolomics techniques.

Results

Network pharmacology identified 33 genes linked with both migraine and DCXF, most of which were 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors, dopamine, and peptide receptors. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that DCXF significantly regulated tyrosine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, dopamine metabolic process, glucose transmembrane transport, lipid metabolism, and fatty acid transport. The results of metabolomics analysis found that the metabolism of tryptophan and tyrosine in the brain tissue and energy and lipid metabolism of rats tended towards normal and reached normal levels after administering DCXF. The metabolomics and network pharmacology approaches demonstrated similar antimigraine effects of DCXF on endogenous neurotransmitters and overall trends in serum and brain tissue. Using both approaches, 62 hub genes were identified from the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DCXF and gene-metabolite interaction network, with hub genes and different metabolites in serum and brain tissue. The hub genes of DCXF, which were mostly linked with inflammation, might affect mainly neurotransmitters in serum and brain tissue metabolisms.

Conclusion

Network pharmacology and metabolomics study may help identify hub genes, metabolites, and possible pathways of disease and treatment. Additionally, two parts of the results were integrated to confirm each other. Their combination may help elucidate the relationship between hub genes and metabolites and provide the further understanding of TCM mechanisms.

A Comprehensive Review on the Role of Genetic Factors in the Pathogenesis of Migraine

Migraine is a common neurovascular condition. This disorder has a complex genetic background. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or mutations within genes regulating glutamatergic neurotransmission, cortical excitability, ion channels, and solute carriers have been associated with polygenic and monogenic forms of migraine. SNPs within ACE, DBH, TRPM8, COMT, GABRQ, CALCA, TRPV1, and other genes have been reported to affect the risk of migraine or the associated clinical parameters. The distribution of some HLA alleles within the HLA-DRB1, HLA-DR2, HLA-B, and HLA-C regions have also been found to differ between migraineurs and healthy subjects. In addition, certain mitochondrial DNA changes and polymorphisms in this region have been shown to increase the risk of migraine. A few functional studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms contributing to these genetic factors in the development of migraine. Here we review studies evaluating the role of genetic polymorphisms and mRNA/miRNA dysregulation in migraine.

Analysis of Genetic Variants in SCN1A, SCN2A, KCNK18, TRPA1 and STX1A as a Possible Marker of Migraine

Background

Migraine is a polygenetic disease, considered as a channelopathy. The dysregulation of ion functioning due to genetic changes may activate the trigeminovascular system and induce migraine attack both migraine with aura (MA) and without aura (MO).

Objectives

The aim of the study was to analyze the following variants of genes encoding ion channels and associated protein: c.3199G>A SCN1A, c.56G>A SCN2A, c.28A>G and c.328T>C KCNK18, c.3053A>G TRPA1, c.31-1811C>T STX1A in migraine patients.

Patients and Methods

The study included 170 migraine patients and 173 controls. HRMA and Sanger sequencing were used for genotyping. Meta-analysis was performed for c.28A>G, c.328T>C KCNK18, and c.31-1811C>T STX1A.

Results

AA genotype of c.56G>A SCN2A was found only in migraine patients. Patients with c.328T>C KCNK18 mutation had an increased risk of developing migraine before the age of 18. Moreover, individuals with AA/TC haplotype of KCNK18 had higher attack frequency than those with AA/TT (p<0.05). T allele of c.31-1811C>T STX1A was more frequent in MA patients than MO (p<0.05). The c.3053A>G TRPA1 polymorphism was more common in patients with migraine onset before the age of 15 (p<0.05), while c.31-1811C>T STX1A and c.3199G>A SCN1A before the age of 10 (p<0.01). Meta-analysis showed a significant association of c.31-1811C>T STX1A polymorphism with migraine overall (OR=1.22, p=0.0086), MA, and MO. No association was found for c.28A>G KCNK18, c.328T>C KCNK18, and migraine overall.

Conclusion

Changes in genes encoding ion channels or proteins regulating their functioning may increase the risk of migraines and correlate with clinical features of disease, e.g. age of onset and attack frequency.

Association of orexin/hypocretin receptor gene (HCRTR1) with reward sensitivity, and interaction with gender

Orexins/hypocretins maintain wakefulness, increase appetite and participate in the coordination of stress response. We have recently provided evidence on the role of orexins in aggression, showing the association of the HCRTR1 genotype. (rs2271933 G > A; leading to amino acid substitution Ile408Val) with aggressiveness or breach of law in four independent cohorts. Aggressive behaviour can be reward driven and hence we have examined the association of HCRTR1 rs2271933 genotype with different aspects of reward sensitivity in the birth cohort representative Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study. HCRTR1 genotype was associated with reward sensitivity in a gender dependent manner. Male HCRTR1 A/A homozygotes had higher Openness to Rewards and the overall reward sensitivity score while, in contrast, female A/A homozygotes scored lower than G-allele carriers in Openness to Rewards. In the total sample, aggressiveness correlated positively with reward sensitivity, but this was on account of Insatiability by Reward. In contrast, the HCRTR1 A/A homozygotes had a positive association of aggressiveness and Openness to Rewards. Experience of stressful life events had a small but significant increasing effect on both aspects of reward sensitivity, and correlated in an anomalous way with reward sensitivity in the HCRTR1 A/A homozygotes. Conclusively, the higher aggressiveness of HCRTR1 A/A homozygotes appears based on a qualitative difference in sensitivity to rewards, in the form that suggests their lower ability to prevent responses to challenges being converted into overt aggression.

Correlation of 5-HTR6 gene polymorphism with vestibular migraine

Objective

To investigate the correlation of 5‐hydroxy tryptamine receptor 6 (5‐HTR6) gene polymorphism with vestibular migraine (VM).

Methods

A total of 92 VM patients were enrolled as the observation group, and 100 healthy people receiving physical examinations as the control group. Their general clinical information was collected, and the level of 5‐HT in plasma and the vestibular function test indexes were detected. Moreover, the polymorphism of 5‐HTR6 rs770963777 was detected with the TaqMan‐MGB probe.

Results

The observation group had a lower level of 5‐HT than the control group (P < .05), and the abnormality rates of the vestibular function tests, including the caloric test, head‐shaking test, and vestibular autorotation test, were obviously higher than those in the control group (P < .01). The comparisons showed that the distribution frequencies of the genotypes and alleles were different between the two groups (P < .05). According to the analysis of the genetic mode, there were differences in recessive and additive modes between the two groups (P < .05), but the dominant mode was not different between the two groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

The level of 5‐HT and the vestibular function test indexes can serve as the effective indicators for observing VM, and the polymorphism of 5‐HTR6 rs770963777 site is correlated with VM onset.