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A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study of Causal Relationships Between Migraine and White-Matter Structural
Dan Tong1,2, Xinyue Zhang1,2, Zhiyong Xiao1,3
1Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
Journal of Pain Research
|July 14, 2025
Summary
This study found genetic evidence that migraine causally affects white matter (WM) structural connectivity in the brain. These findings offer new insights into migraine neuropathology and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Medical Research
Background:
- Migraine is a complex neurological disorder with poorly understood underlying mechanisms.
- White matter (WM) structural connectivity plays a crucial role in brain function and communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal relationship between migraine and WM structural connectivity.
- To utilize Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses with genetic data to infer causality.
Main Methods:
- Employed bidirectional two-sample MR analyses using GWAS summary statistics for migraine and WM structural connectivity-related imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs).
- Utilized the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method as the primary analytical approach.
Main Results:
- Forward MR analysis revealed a significant causal effect of migraine on the right hemisphere somatomotor network to amygdala WM structural connectivity.
- Reverse MR analysis did not detect a causal link from WM structural connectivity to migraine.
Conclusions:
- Provides genetic evidence supporting a causal link between migraine and altered WM structural connectivity.
- Suggests potential for novel therapeutic targets for migraine by understanding its neuropathology and symptomatology.
