Migraine and Genetic Markers of Cardiovascular Disease in Women
Final Report Abstract
The objective of this project was to investigate the genetic basis underlying common forms of migraine. Based on the epidemiological association between migraine, in particular migraine with aura, and CVD it was hypothesized that genetic variants in genes implicated in CVD would be independently associated with migraine. Given the heterogeneous character of migraine only small contributions of single genetic variants were expected, hence, in order to detect these, a large study population is required. The analyses are conducted among over 39,000 women participating in the Women’s Health Study. By the present time the results show, that polymorphisms in the β2-adrenoceptor gene and in genes of the renin-angiotensin system are not associated with migraine. In contrast to prior studies the TT genotype of the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism appears to reduce the risk for migraine. Furthermore, the two fold increased risk for CVD among migraineurs with aura is modified by the MTHFR 677C>T and ACE D/I polymorphisms. The TT genotype of the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism further magnified the risk for ischemic stroke among women with migraine with aura, however not for myocardial infarction. In contrast the migraine – CVD association was only apparent for carriers of the DD/DI genotypes of the ACE D/I polymorphism, but not for those with the II genotype, and did not differ with regard to ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction. Further research focusing on multiple genetic markers, gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, as well as the genotypic modification of the migraine – CVD association are under way.
