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Published on: June 2, 2014
Different circulating metalloproteinases profiles in women with migraine with and without aura
Alisson Martins-Oliveira1, Jose G Speciali, Fabiola Dach
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, 14049-900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
Background:
We compared the circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2, and MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios in migraine patients without aura (MWA) and in migraine patients with aura (MA) with those found in healthy subjects (controls).
Methods:
We studied 80 migraine (40 MWA and 40 MA) women and 40 controls. Pro-MMP-2 levels were determined by zymography and MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 levels were determined by ELISA.
Results:
While we found similar TIMP-2 levels, higher plasma pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios were found in MWA and MA patients compared with controls (P<0.05). Higher TIMP-1 levels and lower MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios were found in MA, but not in MWA, patients compared with controls (P<0.05). We found no significant differences when patients without headache attack were compared with patients having a headache attack (all P<0.05).
Conclusions:
We showed an increased net MMP-2 activity in MWA and MA. The increased MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios in MWA patients contrast with the lower MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios in MA patients and may reflect pathophysiological differences between these conditions.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 activity is increased in both migraine without aura (MWA) and migraine with aura (MA) patients. Differences in MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios may indicate distinct migraine pathophysiologies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Migraine is a complex neurological disorder.
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are implicated in various physiological and pathological processes.
- Imbalances in MMPs and TIMPs may play a role in migraine pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare circulating levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and their ratios in migraine patients (with and without aura) versus healthy controls.
- To investigate potential differences in these biomarkers between migraine subtypes.
- To explore the relationship between MMP/TIMP levels and migraine attacks.
Main Methods:
- Studied 80 women with migraine (40 MWA, 40 MA) and 40 healthy controls.
- Quantified pro-MMP-2 by zymography.
- Measured MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 levels using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Elevated plasma pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios were observed in both MWA and MA patients compared to controls.
- MA patients exhibited higher TIMP-1 levels and lower MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios than controls.
- No significant differences in biomarkers were found between migraine patients with or without an ongoing headache attack.
Conclusions:
- Increased net MMP-2 activity is evident in both MWA and MA.
- Distinct MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios in MWA versus MA suggest differing pathophysiological mechanisms.
- These findings contribute to understanding the biochemical underpinnings of different migraine types.
