Serum levels of allopregnanolone in migraine patients: A case–control study

Abstract

Introduction: Migraine is a very common disorder and the mechanisms contributing to headache still remain controversial. Allopregnanolone (AP) is a neurosteroid metabolite of progesterone. Previously, there were some studies of AP on the positive effects of many diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate AP levels in patients with migraine and compare with levels measured in healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This case–control study included fifty patients with acute migraine headache who were previously diagnosed with migraine and fifty sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers with no headache complaints. Migraine patients who fulfilled the International Headache Classification criteria of migraine and healthy controls were included in this study. Plasma AP levels were compared in both groups. Results: Fifty patients (35 females and 15 males) and fifty healthy volunteers (38 females and 12 males) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. AP levels of migraine patients and control group were compared; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (1.22 ± 1.92, 6.07 ± 4.89, respectively; P < 0.001). AP levels were significantly higher in healthy people. Conclusion: This study showed that low AP levels were detected in migraine patients. These markers may contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiology of migraine.

Keywords

• allopregnanolone
• headache
• migraine