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The Journal of Headache and Pain

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Migraine | Research article

Assessment of peripheral biomarkers potentially involved in episodic and chronic migraine: a case-control study with a focus on NGF, BDNF, VEGF, and PGE2

Authors: Mohammad Mozafarihashjin, Mansoureh Togha, Zeinab Ghorbani, Abolfazl Farbod, Pegah Rafiee, Fahimeh Martami

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Several inflammatory and vascular molecules, and neurotrophins have been suggested to have a possible role in the development of migraine. However, pathophysiological events leading to migraine onset and transformation of episodic migraine (EM) to chronic migraine (CM) are not fully understood. Thus, we aimed to assess peripheral levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in EM and CM patients, and controls.

Methods

From September 2017 to June 2020, 89 subjects were enrolled in a case-control study; 23 and 36 EM and CM patients, respectively, and 30 age and sex-matched controls. Demographic data and medical history were obtained from all patients. Headache characteristics were recorded at baseline visit and ensuing 30 days for persons with migraine disease. Serum levels of NGF, BDNF, VEGF, and PGE2 were measured once for controls and EM and CM patients, and adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index.

Results

Serum levels of NGF were significantly lower in EM patients compared to controls and CM patients (P-value=0.003 and 0.042, respectively). Serum levels of BDNF were significantly lower in EM and CM patients as opposed to controls (P-value<0.001), but comparable between EM and CM patients (P-value=0.715). Peripheral blood levels of VEGF were significantly higher in EM and CM patients as opposed to controls (P-value<0.001), but not different between EM and CM patients (P-value=0.859). Serum levels of PGE2 were significantly lower in EM patients compared to controls (P-value=0.011), however similar between EM and CM patients (P-value=0.086). In migraine patients, serum levels of NGF and PGE2 positively correlated with headache frequency (NGF: ρ = 0.476 and P-value<0.001; PGE2: ρ = 0.286 and P-value=0.028), while corresponding levels of BDNF and VEGF did not correlate with headache frequency (BDNF: ρ = 0.037 and P-value=0.778; VEGF: ρ= -0.025 and P-value=0.850).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that NGF, BDNF, PGE2, and VEGF may play a significant role in migraine pathogenesis and/or chronification, and therefore might bear potential value for novel targeted abortive and prophylactic migraine therapy. Further prospective cohort studies with larger sample sizes can more robustly evaluate the implications of these findings.

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Title: Assessment of peripheral biomarkers potentially involved in episodic and chronic migraine: a case-control study with a focus on NGF, BDNF, VEGF, and PGE2
Authors: Mohammad Mozafarihashjin
Mansoureh Togha
Zeinab Ghorbani
Abolfazl Farbod
Pegah Rafiee
Fahimeh Martami
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: Springer Milan
Keywords: Migraine
Headache
Biomarkers
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-021-01377-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Assessment of peripheral biomarkers potentially involved in episodic and chronic migraine: a case-control study with a focus on NGF, BDNF, VEGF, and PGE2

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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