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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Serotonin transporter protein polymorphism and harm avoidance personality in migraine without aura
Jeong Wook Park1, Si Ryung Han, Dong Won Yang
1Department of Neurology, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
Headache
|May 31, 2006
Summary
Genetic variations in the serotonin transporter gene, specifically the VNTR polymorphism, are linked to migraine without aura. Patients with this condition also exhibit higher harm avoidance personality traits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The serotonin transporter protein regulates serotonergic neurotransmission.
- Polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene influence its functional activity.
- Harm avoidance personality traits may be heritable and linked to serotonin activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serotonin transporter protein gene polymorphisms and harm avoidance in migraine without aura (MWOA).
- To explore the genetic and personality underpinnings of MWOA.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of serotonin transporter protein gene polymorphisms (5-HTTLPR and VNTR) in 97 MWOA patients and 100 controls.
- Assessment of harm avoidance personality dimension using a tridimensional questionnaire.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in 5-HTTLPR genotype frequencies or allele distributions between MWOA patients and controls.
- The VNTR genotype STin2.12/STin2.12 was more prevalent in MWOA patients (90%) than controls (77%).
- MWOA patients displayed significantly higher harm avoidance scores compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Serotonergic activity may play a role in MWOA development.
- The VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene is a potential genetic factor contributing to MWOA.
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