Acute neuroendocrine challenge elicits enhanced cortisol response and parallel transcriptomic changes in patients with migraine
Abstract. Introduction:. Migraine is a neurological disorder with recurrent attacks characterized by headaches and sensitivity to stimuli. Stress is a significant trigger for attacks; however, molecular mechanisms of the connection are poorly understood. Objectives:. To better characterize such mech...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer
2025-06-01
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| Series: | PAIN Reports |
| Online Access: | http://journals.lww.com/painrpts/fulltext/10.1097/PR9.0000000000001254 |
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| Summary: | Abstract. Introduction:. Migraine is a neurological disorder with recurrent attacks characterized by headaches and sensitivity to stimuli. Stress is a significant trigger for attacks; however, molecular mechanisms of the connection are poorly understood.
Objectives:. To better characterize such mechanisms, we performed a placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study with 51 participants (21 patients with migraine without aura and 30 healthy controls).
Methods:. Participants received a low-dose citalopram- or placebo challenge on 2 separate days. Prechallenge and postchallenge assessment of cortisol concentrations and transcriptomic changes using RNA-seq was performed from whole blood samples. Analysis of an accidental attack following the citalopram challenge was also conducted.
Results:. Neuroendocrine challenge elicited elevated cortisol concentrations at 30 (P-value = 0.1355) and 70 minutes (P-value = 0.07292) postchallenge in patients with migraine compared with controls. Gene expression analysis showed 10 differentially expressed genes (2 down- and 8 upregulated, P-value ≤ 0.005) and 10 dysregulated gene sets (P-value ≤ 0.005). Among them, dysregulated IKBKGP1 and NKRF genes and upregulated protein synthesis and translation, carbohydrate metabolism, and, attack-related, glycosylation can be highlighted.
Conclusion:. Patients with migraine without aura showed an enhanced cortisol response to a neuroendocrine challenge. This was accompanied by a probable suppression of NFκB activity through dysregulation of NKRF and an altered immune function. Upregulated carbohydrate metabolism may reflect the elevated cortisol concentrations' stimulating effects on endothelial glycocalyx, playing a role in NO-induced vasodilation, a trigger for migraine attacks. The results suggest the elevated cortisol response may trigger migraine attacks through altered glycocalyx and immune functions. |
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| ISSN: | 2471-2531 |