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Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Increased nitric oxide stress is associated with migraine
H-J Gruber1, C Bernecker, A Lechner
1Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Graz, Austria. hans-juergen.gruber@klinikum-graz.at
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|August 14, 2009
Summary
Increased nitric oxide (NO) in the headache-free period is linked to migraine. Migraineurs show higher nitrate and lower nitrite levels, indicating sustained nitrosative stress and a 3.6-fold increased migraine risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is implicated in migraine pathophysiology, but its precise role, especially during headache-free intervals, remains unclear.
- Understanding NO pathway alterations may offer insights into migraine mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that elevated NO levels during headache-free periods are associated with migraine.
- To explore various parameters of the NO pathway in migraine patients.
Main Methods:
- Quantified nitrate, nitrite, arginine, citrulline, nitrosylated proteins, and dimethylarginine isomers in 130 probands.
- Assessed endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and eNOS polymorphisms.
Main Results:
- Migraineurs exhibited significantly increased nitrate and decreased nitrite levels during headache-free periods.
- A significant inverse correlation was observed between nitrate and nitrite levels.
- Logistic regression indicated a 3.6-fold increased odds ratio for migraine.
Conclusions:
- Migraine patients experience sustained nitrosative stress in headache-free periods.
- This sustained stress is associated with a significantly higher risk of developing migraine.
- Specific NO pathway parameters, beyond nitrate and nitrite, were not significantly altered or correlated with migraine status.
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