Study of calcitonin gene-related peptide level in peripheral blood of episodic and chronic migraine patients

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the level of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in peripheral blood of patients with episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM) compared with the control group. Background Migraine is a common disabling multifactorial recurrent hereditary neurovascular headache disorder. It is burden to the person, the society, and affects one's quality of life. It occurs in childhood and puberty. CGRP increased from trigeminal nerves and play an important role in the painful phase of migraine. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 participants suffering from CM and EM and 20 healthy participants as a control group. Venous blood was taken and plasma separated to be stored at −70°C. CGRP was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. All participates were subjected to full detailed general medical, neurological, and psychiatric history and examination. Results Insignificant difference was recorded among migrainous patients and the control group regarding age, sex, distribution of computed tomography/MRI, fundus examination, and electroencephalogram, whereas migraine patients differ significantly regarding the symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, phonophobia, and photophobia. Moreover, no significant difference was found between men and women in their CGRP levels. Conclusion The level of CGRP plasma was clearly higher in peripheral blood in large series of CM and a lower degree for EM women versus control group in migraine attack.