Genetic predisposition of TNFα gene polymorphism in South-Indian Migraineurs and meta-analysis

Migraine (Mg) is a multifaceted neurovascular disorder caused by genetic and several environmental etiologies. We have implemented a case-control study of TNFα gene polymorphism in 212 Mg patients and 218 healthy controls utilizing the ARMS-PCR technique, followed by Sanger sequencing. Besides, we have conducted a meta-analysis of different genetic models (five genetic models) to combine and summarize the available data from 11 studies (including this present research). The strength of genetic associations in the meta-analysis used to assess by the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The results of this case-control study discovered a significant relationship with Mg in recessive and homozygous genotype with OR = 2.35 (95% CI [0.96-5.74]), p-value = 0.045. Also, the outcomes of meta-analysis suggested an irrelevant relationship between TNFα gene (rs1800629) polymorphism and Mg susceptibility in the five genetic models. However, subgrouping based on ethnic background showed a significant association in the allelic genetic model with OR = 1.53 (95% CI [1.02-2.31]), p = 0.040 respectively. The meta-analysis results of TNFα gene polymorphism may represent a risk factor for Mg among Asians. In the future, large scale, multicentric case-control study by classification of patients with Mg with or without aura can be performed worldwide to identify the potential genetic risk factors leading to Mg pathogenesis.