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Increased matrix metalloproteinase activity is associated with migraine and migraine-related metabolic dysfunctions
C Bernecker1, S Pailer, P Kieslinger
1Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria. claudia.bernecker@klinikum-graz.at
Objective:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are discussed to be involved in the pathophysiology of migraine. Moreover, MMPs may also be involved in migraine-related metabolic alterations like an atherogenic lipid profile and hyperinsulinemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of MMPs and TIMPs on migraine with and without aura and related metabolic dysfunctions.
Methods:
MMP activity, six MMPs and three TIMPs, parameters of the insulin and lipid metabolism as well as anthropometric parameters were determined in 124 non-obese subjects.
Results:
We found highly significant increased MMP activity in migraine patients independent of aura symptoms, which was associated with migraine with an odds ratio of 7.57. Interestingly, none of the determined MMPs and TIMPs showed significant different serum levels between migraine patients and healthy controls. We found significant correlations between MMP activity and parameters of the insulin and lipid metabolism, like Homeostasis Model Assessment index (HOMA index), cholesterol, triglycerides, and oxidized LDL.
Conclusion:
We show here that increased MMP activity is tightly associated with migraine and migraine-related hyperinsulinemia and atherogenic lipid alterations. Our findings represent a new pathophysiological mechanism, which may be of clinical relevance, especially in regard to therapeutic approaches using MMP inhibitors.
Insights
Increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity is linked to migraine, independent of aura. This elevated MMP activity correlates with metabolic issues like hyperinsulinemia and atherogenic lipid profiles in migraine patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neurology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are implicated in migraine pathophysiology.
- MMPs may contribute to metabolic dysfunctions associated with migraine, including atherogenic lipid profiles and hyperinsulinemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MMPs and TIMPs and migraine, with or without aura.
- To explore the relationship between MMPs/TIMPs and metabolic alterations in migraine patients.
Main Methods:
- MMP activity, specific MMPs and TIMPs, and metabolic parameters were measured in 124 non-obese individuals.
- Insulin and lipid metabolism markers, alongside anthropometric data, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Migraine patients exhibited significantly higher MMP activity compared to controls, irrespective of aura presence (OR=7.57).
- No significant differences in serum levels of individual MMPs or TIMPs were observed between groups.
- MMP activity correlated significantly with insulin resistance (HOMA index), cholesterol, triglycerides, and oxidized LDL.
Conclusions:
- Elevated MMP activity is strongly associated with migraine and related metabolic disturbances, such as hyperinsulinemia and atherogenic lipid profiles.
- These findings suggest a novel pathophysiological mechanism for migraine.
- MMP inhibitors may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for migraine management.
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