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Mendelian randomization analysis reveals causal effects of migraine and its subtypes on early-onset ischemic stroke

Rui Zhang1, Peng-Peng Niu2, Shuo Li1

  • 1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, JianShe Road 1#, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.

Scientific Reports
|December 29, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Migraine with aura, but not other types, may causally increase the risk of early-onset ischemic stroke. This genetic study found a significant link, suggesting a potential causal relationship between migraine with aura and stroke risk.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Observational studies suggest a link between migraine, especially migraine with aura, and increased susceptibility to early-onset ischemic stroke.
  • The causal relationship remains unclear due to potential confounding factors in observational research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causal effects of genetically determined migraine and its subtypes on the risk of early-onset ischemic stroke.
  • To assess the genetic correlation between migraine with aura and early-onset ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization method with large-scale genetic instrumental variables for migraine and its subtypes.
  • Analyzed summary data for early-onset ischemic stroke (ages 18-59) from 16,730 cases and 599,237 controls.
  • Employed random-effects inverse variance weighted analysis and linkage disequilibrium score regression.

Main Results:

  • Migraine with aura showed a suggestive causal association with an elevated risk of early-onset ischemic stroke (OR 1.074, P=0.005).
  • No causal association was found for overall migraine or migraine without aura.
  • A significant positive genetic correlation (0.208, P=0.016) was observed between migraine with aura and early-onset ischemic stroke.

Conclusions:

  • Provides evidence for a causal relationship between migraine with aura and the risk of early-onset ischemic stroke.
  • Suggests that genetic factors contribute to the link between migraine with aura and ischemic stroke in younger adults.
  • Highlights the importance of considering migraine with aura as a potential risk factor for early-onset stroke.
Keywords:
CausalityGenetic correlationIschemic strokeMendelian randomizationMigraine

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