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Migraine and MTHFR C677T genotype in a population-based sample
Ann I Scher1, Gisela M Terwindt, W M Monique Verschuren
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, USA. ascher@usuhs.mil
Annals of Neurology
|December 21, 2005
Summary
The MTHFR C677T genotype is linked to a higher risk of migraine with aura (MA). This association appears independent of common cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting a specific genetic predisposition.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Migraine with aura (MA) is a known risk factor for stroke.
- The MTHFR C677T genotype is implicated in migraine risk and elevated homocysteine levels, a stroke risk factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the MTHFR C677T gene variant and migraine.
- To examine the role of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic markers in mediating this genotype-migraine relationship.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study comparing adult migraineurs with aura (MA; n=187) and without aura (MO; n=226) to non-migraineurs (n=1,212).
- Analysis of the MTHFR C677T genotype frequencies and their association with migraine status.
Main Results:
- The T/T genotype of MTHFR C677T was associated with significantly increased odds of MA (OR, 2.05).
- A trend of increasing MA odds was observed with higher numbers of T alleles (OR, 1.40).
- These associations remained significant even after adjusting for homocysteine levels.
Conclusions:
- Migraine with aura risk is associated with MTHFR C677T homozygosity.
- This genetic risk appears to be independent of other common cardiovascular risk factors.