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Are TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta relevant in the pathogenesis of migraine without aura?
V Covelli1, I Munno, N M Pellegrino
1Clinica Neurologica, II Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Napoli, Italy.
Abstract:
Migraine without aura (MWA) is a clinical condition characterized by multiple immune deficits, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this respect, previous studies have demonstrated that patients with MWA exhibit profound dysfunctions of phagocytosis and killing exerted by polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and monocytes. This may correlate with the increased frequency of infectious processes observed in these patients. The overall results suggested to evaluate the presence of circulating cytokines (CKs) in subjects affected by MWA. In particular, the present data point out an exaggerated spontaneous release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in a group of MWA individuals, which correlates with detectable levels of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in their plasma. In view of the different biological activities displayed by TNF-alpha in the host, such as effects on the nervous and vascular systems, hemodynamics modifications and demyelinating properties, the intervention of this CK in the pathogenesis of MWA will be discussed.
Insights
Migraine without aura is linked to immune system dysfunction. Studies show elevated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in patients, potentially due to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Migraine without aura (MWA) is associated with immune deficits.
- Patients with MWA show impaired phagocytosis and killing by polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and monocytes.
- This immune dysfunction may explain increased infection rates in MWA patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of circulating cytokines (CKs) in individuals with MWA.
- To explore the correlation between immune dysfunction and MWA pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of spontaneous cytokine release in MWA subjects.
- Detection of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in plasma samples.
Main Results:
- An exaggerated spontaneous release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was observed in MWA individuals.
- Detectable levels of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were found in the plasma of these patients.
- A correlation was established between elevated TNF-alpha and LPS presence.
Conclusions:
- Circulating TNF-alpha, potentially triggered by LPS, may play a role in MWA pathogenesis.
- The neuro-vascular and demyelinating effects of TNF-alpha warrant further investigation in MWA.
- Immune dysregulation is a significant factor in the development of migraine without aura.