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Tumor necrosis factor gene polymorphism in migraine
Simonetta Trabace1, Gloria Brioli, Patrizia Lulli
1Section of Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Headache
|June 6, 2002
Summary
The lymphotoxin alpha (TNFB)*2 allele is associated with an increased risk for migraine without aura. Migraine with and without aura appear to have distinct genetic backgrounds.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Migraine is a complex disorder with both genetic and environmental factors.
- Previous research suggested a protective role for HLA-DR2 in migraine.
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene products are involved in inflammation and endothelial function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene polymorphisms and migraine.
- To explore the genetic heterogeneity between migraine with and without aura.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed TNF-308 and lymphotoxin alpha (TNFB) gene polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction.
- Compared allele frequencies in 47 migraine without aura patients, 32 migraine with aura patients, and 101 controls.
Main Results:
- The TNFB*2 allele frequency was significantly higher in migraine without aura patients (78.72%) versus controls (61.4%).
- A significant decrease in TNFB*1 homozygotes was observed in migraine without aura patients compared to controls (2.13% vs 16.8%).
- No significant association was found for the TNF-308 polymorphism or in migraine with aura patients.
Conclusions:
- Lymphotoxin alpha (TNFB) may be a susceptibility gene for migraine without aura.
- These findings support the distinct genetic underpinnings of migraine with and without aura.