Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Mmp-9 immunoreactivity in acute migraine
Rogelio Leira1, Tomás Sobrino, Manuel Rodríguez-Yáñez
1Headache and Stroke Unit and Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico Universitario, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Objective:
To examine the role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in migraine during headache and asymptomatic periods.
Methods:
Thirty-four patients with migraine with and without aura (according to International Headache Society criteria) were studied. Clinical characteristic of headache were recorded. Blood samples for measurement of MMP-9 were drawn during headache attacks and during asymptomatic periods in all patients and in 10 healthy controls.
Results:
We found higher plasma MMP-9 levels in migraine patients than in control group (129.3 [78.0-258.9] vs. 49.6 [39.1-64.3] ng/mL; P < .001). Migrainous patients showed higher MMP-9 plasma levels during headache attacks than in asymptomatic periods, both in migraine without aura (338.4 [275.1-396.2] vs. 118.2 [75.3-137.5] ng/mL; P < .0001), and migraine with aura (389.3 [273.4-487.1] vs. 139.3 [107.3-191.4] ng/mL; P < .0001).
Conclusions:
Our study showed an increased production of MMP-9 during migraine attacks. These data suggest a possible role of inflammation or blood-brain barrier disruption during the migraine attack.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) levels are elevated in migraine patients, particularly during headache attacks. This suggests MMP-9 may play a role in migraine pathophysiology, potentially involving inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Migraine is a complex neurological disorder.
- Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is an enzyme implicated in various physiological and pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MMP-9 in migraine during both headache and asymptomatic phases.
- To compare MMP-9 levels in migraine patients versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Studied 34 patients with migraine (with and without aura) and 10 healthy controls.
- Measured plasma MMP-9 levels during headache attacks and asymptomatic periods.
- Classified migraine according to International Headache Society criteria.
Main Results:
- Migraine patients exhibited significantly higher plasma MMP-9 levels compared to controls (P < .001).
- MMP-9 levels were markedly elevated during headache attacks in both migraine with aura and without aura subtypes (P < .0001).
- MMP-9 levels were also higher during attacks than in asymptomatic periods for both migraine subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Migraine attacks are associated with increased MMP-9 production.
- Elevated MMP-9 suggests a potential role in migraine pathophysiology, possibly through inflammation or blood-brain barrier disruption.
