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Published on: June 2, 2014
Increased von Willebrand factor in migraine
G E Tietjen1, M M Al-Qasmi, K Athanas
1Department of Neurology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, USA. gtietjen@mco.edu
Individuals with migraine, especially those with a history of stroke, show elevated levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF). This blood clotting protein was significantly higher in migraine patients compared to controls, indicating a potential link between vWF and migraine pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Migraine is a common neurological disorder.
- Previous stroke is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events.
- Von Willebrand factor (vWF) plays a crucial role in hemostasis and thrombosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) in individuals with migraine.
- To compare vWF levels between migraineurs with and without a history of stroke, and healthy controls.
- To explore the relationship between vWF and migraine, particularly in the context of cerebrovascular events.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen and activity.
- Comparison of vWF levels in three groups: migraineurs with prior stroke, migraineurs without stroke, and frequency-matched controls.
- Analysis of vWF multimers and protease activity in a subset of migraineurs during headache-free periods.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher vWF antigen (170%) and activity (162%) were observed in migraineurs with prior stroke compared to controls (106% and 108%, respectively).
- Migraineurs without stroke also exhibited elevated vWF antigen (126%) and activity (130%) compared to controls.
- vWF multimers and protease activity were found to be normal in the interictal migraine subset.
Conclusions:
- Elevated levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) are present in individuals with migraine, irrespective of stroke history.
- The findings suggest a potential role for vWF in the pathophysiology of migraine and its association with stroke.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms linking vWF, migraine, and cerebrovascular risk.
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