Is SOD2 Ala16Val polymorphism associated with migraine with aura phenotype?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Oxidative stress is implicated in migraine pathophysiology, especially migraine with aura (MwA).
• Superoxide dismutase enzymes (SOD1 and SOD2) play crucial roles in managing oxidative stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between SOD1 and SOD2 gene polymorphisms and migraine phenotypes.
• To explore the role of these genes in migraine with aura (MwA), migraine without aura (MwoA), and chronic migraine (CM).

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 490 migraineurs and 246 healthy controls.
• Genotyping of SOD1 (rs2234694) and SOD2 (rs4880-Ala16Val) gene polymorphisms.
• Detailed migraine phenotyping through face-to-face interviews.

Main Results:

• The SOD2 rs4880 TT genotype was significantly associated with unilateral cranial autonomic symptoms (UAs) in MwA patients (p=0.042).
• A correlation was observed between SOD2 rs4880 genotype and acute migraine treatment in MwA patients (p=0.048).
• No significant association was found for SOD1 polymorphisms.

Conclusions:

• SOD2 appears to be a disease-modifier gene in migraine with aura, influencing oxidative mechanisms.
• SOD2 gene variations may affect oxidative control during cortical spreading depression, potentially triggering trigeminal neurons and UAs.
• Further research into SOD2's role could offer new therapeutic targets for migraine treatment.