Evaluation of the genetic variant - 889 C > T Of Il-1α in migraine - partial analysis

Abstract

IntroductionThe pathophysiology of migraine integrates inflammatory and genetic aspects, with interleukin-1α being a component of this picture. This pro-inflammatory cytokine, responsible for inducing pyrogenic, hematological, and metabolic phenomena, is produced by macrophages and monocytes. Genetic variants, which can be found in the regulatory region of the gene for this substance, have clinical implications in different systems.ObjectiveTo evaluate the frequency of the -889C>T genetic variant of IL-1α and its association with clinical variables related to migraine. MethodsProspective case-control study composed of migraine patients and healthy controls aged between 18 and 60 years of age. Project approved by the Research Ethics Committee of PUCPR (No. 3,029,972). Demographic, clinical data on migraine classification and characteristics were collected using a structured form and validated questionnaires on anxiety (STAIY2), depression (BDI) and migraine-related disability (MIDAS). Genetic evaluation was performed with blood or saliva samples that were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by electrophoresis in 1.5% agarose gel. Categorical data were analyzed by chi-square test or Fisher's exact test and continuous data by t-test or Mann-Whitney test. ResultsA total of 156 participants, 73 migraineurs and 83 controls, were evaluated. The -889C>T variant of IL-1α was not associated with increased susceptibility to migraine when evaluated in allelic, codominant, dominant, or recessive models. The C allele, the lowest producer of the cytokine, was associated with a higher frequency of osmophobia in patients with migraine (65.5% vs. 48.2%; p=0.038). ConclusionNo association was identified between the -889C>T variant of IL-1α and susceptibility to migraine. Its effect on osmophobia should be further investigated. However, the present work is a partial analysis whose main limitation is the small sample size.