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Published on: June 2, 2014
Iron accumulation in deep brain nuclei in migraine: a population-based magnetic resonance imaging study
M C Kruit1, L J Launer, J Overbosch
1Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. m.c.kruit@lumc.nl
Abstract:
A small magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study showed increased iron depositions in the periaqueductal grey matter in migraineurs, suggestive of a disturbed central antinociceptive neuronal network. With 1.5-T MRI, we assessed iron concentrations in seven deep brain nuclei in a large population-based cohort. We compared T2 values between migraineurs (n = 138) and controls (n = 75), with multivariate regression analysis. Analyses were conducted in age strata (< 50, n = 112; > or = 50) because iron measures are increasingly influenced by non-iron-related factors in the older group. Overall, migraineurs and controls did not differ, nor did migraineurs with vs. without aura. In the younger migraineurs compared with controls, T2 values were lower in the putamen (P = 0.02), globus pallidus (P = 0.03) and red nucleus (P = 0.03). Similarly, in these younger migraineurs, controlling for age, those with longer migraine history had lower T2 values in the putamen (P = 0.01), caudate (P = 0.04) and red nucleus (P = 0.001). Repeated migraine attacks are associated with increased iron concentration/accumulation in multiple deep nuclei that are involved in central pain processing and migraine pathophysiology. It remains unclear whether iron accumulation in the antinociceptive network has a causative role in the development of (chronic) migraine headache.
Insights
Migraineurs, especially younger ones, show increased iron in brain regions linked to pain processing. This suggests repeated migraine attacks may contribute to iron accumulation, potentially impacting central pain pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Previous studies suggest altered iron deposition in the brain's pain-processing areas in migraineurs.
- Iron accumulation is implicated in neuronal function and dysfunction, potentially affecting pain pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate iron concentrations in deep brain nuclei of a large cohort of migraineurs compared to controls using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- To explore the relationship between migraine duration and iron levels in specific brain regions.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study utilizing 1.5-Tesla MRI to measure T2 values in seven deep brain nuclei.
- Comparison of T2 values between migraineurs (n=138) and controls (n=75), with analyses stratified by age (<50 and >=50).
- Multivariate regression analysis was employed to assess associations, controlling for age and migraine history.
Main Results:
- No overall difference in T2 values was found between migraineurs and controls, or between migraineurs with and without aura.
- Younger migraineurs (<50) exhibited lower T2 values in the putamen, globus pallidus, and red nucleus compared to controls.
- In younger migraineurs, a longer migraine history correlated with lower T2 values in the putamen, caudate, and red nucleus.
Conclusions:
- Repeated migraine attacks are associated with increased iron concentration/accumulation in deep brain nuclei involved in central pain processing.
- The findings suggest a potential role for iron accumulation in the antinociceptive network in migraine pathophysiology.
- Further research is needed to clarify if iron accumulation causally contributes to the development of chronic migraine.
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