Serum apolipoprotein E may be a novel biomarker of migraine

Abstract

Migraine attacks alter various molecules that might be related to the pathophysiology of migraine, such as serotonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and nitric oxide. The underlying pathophysiology of migraine is as yet unclear. We explored key proteins related to the pathogenesis of migraine here. Serum was collected from two patients with migraine with aura (MA) and seven patients with migraine without aura (MO) during attack-free periods and migraine attacks. Samples were analyzed using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Nineteen protein spots were altered between the attack-free versus migraine attack periods. Mass spectrometric analysis was performed to identify the proteins within each of the 19 altered spots. Thirty-six proteins were significantly altered in samples collected during attack-free periods versus migraine attacks. The protein with the statistically most significant MASCOT/Mowse score (268±112) among lipoproteins was apolipoprotein (ApoE). In the MA and MO groups, ApoE protein levels were significantly higher during migraine attack than during the attack-free period (p<0.05). ApoE protein levels were also significantly increased in the MA group during the attack-free period compared to healthy controls and patients with tension type headaches (p<0.01). Migraine alters ApoE levels, especially in MA. ApoE might play an important role in the pathophysiology of migraine, and may act as a diagnostic biomarker of migraine.

Evaluation of inflammatory markers in patients with migraine

“…On the other hand, monocyte and MHR values were significantly higher in MwA patients. In the literature, some inflammatory biomarkers such as high leptin, Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, apolipoprotein E, and CRP levels were found to be increased in MwA patients supporting the inflammatory hypothesis [24][25][26][27]. Further studies with serum markers and inflammatory citokines are needed to evaluate the possible relationship.…”

Identification of candidate proteomic markers in the serum of medication overuse headache patients: An exploratory study

“…Serum profiles of patients with different chronic pain conditions (such as fibromyalgia, chronic widespread pain and painful neuropathies) were associated with abnormal levels of varying protein molecules (16,17), some appear capable of diagnosing endometriosis in patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain (18). Also, in migraine, different proteins were detected in the attack period compared to the attack-free period using 2-DE and MS analysis (19). Theor.…”

Biomarkers in migraine: a sea of something

“…In addition, increased levels of ApoE were observed among patients with migraine in the interictal period when compared to controls. 22 A study by Ferrari et al has shown increased levels of serotonin during attacks of migraine as compared to the baseline or controls. 23 Melatonin is believed to be involved in circadian rhythms and headache disorders.…”