GLOBAL DNA METHYLATION LEVELS IN MIGRAINE PATIENTS FROM GEORGIA

Abstract

Introduction: Migraine is a common, complex neurological disease characterized by the presence of a strong genetic component. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified gene variants involved in migraine development. In addition, it is known that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, play an important role in inflammation disorders. The aim of our study was to investigate global DNA methylation levels in migraine patients with C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene. Materials and methods: MTHFR C677T genotyping analysis (36 patients and 32 controls) was performed using TaqMan technology (Thermo Scientific, USA). Global DNA methylation was determined by the quantitative analysis of 5-methylcytosine (Zymo Research, Germany). Results: In individuals with TT genotypes, the percentage of methylated cytosine (5mC) was significantly lower in the migraine group compared to the control group (P=0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that epigenetic approaches can be used to study the migraine pathogenesis. In addition, reduced methylation levels can be ameliorated by the dietary supplementation with vitamins B6, B9, B12, which may be a strategy for migraine prevention and management in patients with MTHFR C677T polymorphism.