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Published on: June 2, 2014
Oxidative stress in migraine with and without aura
Deniz Tuncel1, Fatma Inanc Tolun, Mustafa Gokce
1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University , Kahramanmaras, Turkey. tuncedeniz@yahoo.com
Migraine patients show increased oxidative stress, particularly those with migraine with aura (MWA). This study measured malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, suggesting a role for oxidative metabolism in migraine pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Migraine is a common neurological disorder with an incompletely understood molecular basis.
- Impaired mitochondrial oxidative metabolism is a potential factor in migraine pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate oxidative stress differences in migraine patients versus controls.
- To measure erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
Main Methods:
- Compared 56 migraine patients (37 without aura, 19 with aura) and 25 healthy controls.
- Measured levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase.
Main Results:
- Migraine patients exhibited significantly higher MDA levels than controls.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher in patients with migraine with aura (MWA) compared to those without aura (MWoA).
- No significant correlation was found between measured levels and headache attack duration.
Conclusions:
- This preliminary study indicates elevated oxidative stress in migraine patients, especially those with MWA.
- Further research may elucidate migraine's causes, complications, and inform treatment strategies.
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