Migraine is a complex multifactorial, neurobiological disorder. A possible role of impaired oxidative mitochondrial metabolism in migraine pathogenesis has been hypothesized. The aim of this study was to determine plasma levels of advanced oxidation protein products, ferric-reducing antioxidant power and total thiol groups related to oxidative stress, in a sample of chronic migraine patients and medication-overuse headache, compared to healthy control subjects.
Thirty-three patients with a diagnosis of both chronic migraine and medication-overuse headache (International Classification of Headache Disorders,3rd edition, beta version) and 33 healthy, headache-free subjects were studied. Patients with comorbid/coexisting conditions were excluded, as well as patients in treatment with migraine preventive drugs. Plasma levels of advanced oxidation protein products, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and total thiol groups were determined in migraine patients and controls. Oxidative stress biomarkers were compared in migraine patients with triptan compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug overuse.
The data from the present study suggest that antioxidant capacity is lower in chronic migraine patients and medication-overuse headache compared to healthy headache-free subjects, with no differences between patients with triptan or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug overuse. Further research is needed regarding the causal or consequential role of an imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidant defenses in migraine pathogenesis and the possible therapeutic implications in clinical practice.
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Lucchesi C, Baldacci F, Cafalli M, Chico L, Lo Gerfo A, Bonuccelli U, Siciliano G, Gori S: Evidences of Reduced Antioxidant Activity in Patients With Chronic Migraine and Medication-Overuse Headache. Headache 55(7): 984-991 (2015).
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26129705