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Association between monocyte-to-HDL ratio and Fazekas-scaled white matter hyperintensities in migraine patients: a
Aydın Talip Yıldoğan1, Ramazan Şencan2, Gizem Türker Yıldoğan3
1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Nigde Omer Halis Demir University, Nigde, Türkiye.
Background:
This study aimed to investigate the association between the monocyte-to-high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio (MHR) and the presence and severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in patients with migraine.
Methods:
A total of 153 patients diagnosed with migraine and 90 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Serum monocyte and HDL levels, and MRI findings were evaluated. WMHs severity was graded using the Fazekas scale. Serum parameters were compared and evaluated between the patient and control groups. In addition, the relationship between migraine clinical characteristics and MHR levels was examined.
Results:
MHR values were significantly higher in migraine patients than in controls (p < 0.001). Higher Fazekas scores were associated with increased MHR and monocyte levels, and decreased HDL levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that an MHR > 13.37 predicted the presence of WMHs with 88.50% sensitivity and 98% specificity (AUC = 0.918, p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
MHR appears to be a promising inflammatory biomarker reflecting cerebral microvascular changes in migraine patients, even among young adults. These results support the contribution of low-grade systemic inflammation to migraine-associated white matter lesions.
Insights
The monocyte-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR) is elevated in migraine patients and linked to white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). MHR may serve as an inflammatory biomarker for cerebral microvascular changes in migraine.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Inflammation Studies
Background:
- Migraine is a complex neurological disorder.
- White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are frequently observed in migraine patients.
- The association between inflammatory markers and WMHs in migraine is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the monocyte-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR) and the presence and severity of WMHs in migraine patients.
- To explore MHR as a potential biomarker for cerebral microvascular changes in migraine.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study included 153 migraine patients and 90 healthy controls.
- Serum monocyte and HDL cholesterol levels were measured.
- WMH severity was assessed using MRI and the Fazekas scale.
Main Results:
- MHR was significantly higher in migraine patients compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- Increased MHR and monocyte levels, along with decreased HDL levels, correlated with higher WMH severity (Fazekas score).
- An MHR cutoff of 13.37 predicted WMHs with high sensitivity (88.50%) and specificity (98%), AUC=0.918.
Conclusions:
- MHR is a potential inflammatory biomarker reflecting cerebral microvascular changes in migraine.
- Elevated MHR may indicate the contribution of low-grade systemic inflammation to migraine-associated white matter lesions, even in young adults.
