Chun-Yu Cheng1,2,3; Shih-Pin Chen1,2,4,5; Yi-Chu Liao1,2;
Jong-Ling Fuh1,2,5; Yen-Feng Wang1,2; Shuu-Jiun Wang1,2,5
Background
Evidence of vascular dysfunction in migraine is increasing. MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as important regulators of vascular endothelial functions. This exploratory study investigated whether circulating levels of miRs associated with endothelial function are altered in migraine patients.
Methods
Thirty patients with migraine (20–50 years old) without overt vascular risk factors and 30 sex- and age-matched healthy controls participated. The levels of four miRs that regulate endothelial function (miR-155, miR-126, miR-21, and Let-7g) were quantified and expressed in terms of fold changes (2-ΔΔct) relative to mean levels in the control group. Associations of miRs levels with headache features and syncope comorbidity were explored.
Results
Compared to controls, migraine patients had upregulated expression of miR-155 (6.17-fold, p = 0.018), miR-126 (6.17-fold, p = 0.013), and let-7g (7.37-fold, p = 0.005). Levels of miR-155 (r = 0.375, p = 0.041) and miR-126 (r = 0.375, p = 0.041) were associated with the syncope frequency in the past year in migraine patients. Migraine patients with aura have insignificant higher expression of miRs levels compared to those without.
Conclusions
Circulating levels of endothelial-specific miRs are elevated in migraine patients and associated with syncope comorbidity.
1Department
of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei,
Taiwan.
2Faculty
of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
3Institute
of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
4Institute
of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
5Brain
Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
