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A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood
Published on: April 28, 2016
Increased plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels in migraineurs
Keiko Imamura1, Takao Takeshima, Emi Fusayasu
1Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan.
Background And Objective:
Cortical spreading depression and neurogenic inflammation have been hypothesized to be key steps in the development of migraine headache. Recent studies have highlighted matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in cortical spreading depression, neurogenic inflammation, and cerebral ischemia. To seek their possible association, we investigated plasma MMP-9 levels in migraineurs during headache-free periods.
Methods:
Plasma MMP-9 levels in 84 migraine subjects and 61 controls were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, 23 patients with tension type headache were included in the study as comparative subjects.
Results:
The MMP-9 levels in migraineurs (42.5+/-4.6 ng/mL, mean+/-SE) were significantly higher than those in controls (25.4+/-2.7 ng/mL, P< .005). Those levels in tension type headache subjects (24.6+/-4.8 ng/mL) did not differ from those in controls. There was no significant difference between subjects having migraine with aura and those without aura. The MMP-9 levels did not correlate with age, duration of illness, frequency of migraine attack, duration of headache attack, or medication for headache. Mean plasma MMP-9 levels were the highest in subjects from whom blood samples were taken 2-4 days after their latest attack.
Conclusions:
The degradation of extracellular matrix showing the increase of MMP-9 in migraineurs may be associated with an abnormality in their blood vessel permeability. MPP-9 plays some role in migraine pathophysiology. Further studies of MMPs are necessary to elucidate their role.
Insights
Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels are elevated in migraine patients, suggesting a role for MMP-9 in migraine pathophysiology and potential blood vessel permeability issues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Migraine headache is linked to cortical spreading depression and neurogenic inflammation.
- Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is implicated in these processes and cerebral ischemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma MMP-9 levels in migraineurs during headache-free periods.
- To explore the association between MMP-9 and migraine.
Main Methods:
- Plasma MMP-9 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Study included 84 migraineurs, 61 controls, and 23 tension-type headache patients.
Main Results:
- Migraineurs showed significantly higher plasma MMP-9 levels compared to controls (P < .005).
- Tension-type headache subjects had MMP-9 levels similar to controls.
- MMP-9 levels did not correlate with clinical migraine characteristics but were highest 2-4 days post-attack.
Conclusions:
- Elevated MMP-9 in migraineurs may indicate extracellular matrix degradation and altered blood vessel permeability.
- MMP-9 likely plays a role in migraine pathophysiology.
- Further research on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in migraine is warranted.
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