Diverse phenotype of Méenière’s disease associated with family history,thyroid disorder,migraine and associated disorders

Objective:To better understand the clinical phenotype of Méenière’s disease(MD),we examined family history,thyroid disorder,migraine,and associated disorders in complaints of people living with MD.Method:We designed the study as a retrospective and examined data gathered from 912 participants with MD.Their data were originally collected by the Finnish M′eni`ere Federation(FMF).The survey data included individual case histories for environmental factors,comorbidities,disease-specific complaints,impact-related questions,cognitive complaints,health-related quality of life(HRQoL),and sense of coherence(SOC).Results:We observed significant differences between those with and without sporadic occurrence,family history,thyroid disorder,and migraine-associated complaints.Family history explained 20%of variability in patient complaints.Patients with a family history of MD whose disease started at younger age experienced balance problems,more severe vertigo spells,more severe vestibular drop attacks(VDA),and less nausea,although they had good SOC.Thyroid disorder explained 14%of variability in patient complaints.MD patients with a thyroid disorder comorbidity suffered more often from constant dizziness,balance problems,greater impact of hearing problems,cognitive complaints,and poor HRQoL.Migraine explained 12%of variability in patients’complaints and was associated with poor SOC and cognitive balance problems.MD patients with both thyroid disorder and migraine used antidepressants more often than other groups.Logistic regression analysis showed comorbidities of ischemic brain disorder(among 7.1%),kidney insufficiency(among 1.2%),and diabetes(among 7.3%)had statistically significant but restricted association with balance and gait problems,VDA,and reduced HRQoL.Conclusions:Family history of MD and thyroid disorder or migraine comorbidities in MD influence the complaint pattern and partially explain complex symptom profiles,including symptoms of cognitive problems.Confounders play a minimal role in complaint profile and impact of MD whereas comorbidities influence the complaint structure and partly explain the complex symptom profile in MD.

White Matter Lesions in Young-Middle Aged Migraineurs with Patent Foreman Ovale: A Case-Control Study

Background:White matter lesion(WML)is common in aging brain and is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia.However,recent studies reported an association between patent foramen ovale(PFO)and WML in migraineurs,especially in young,middle-aged migraineurs.Our retrospective,case-control study aims to describe the clinical characteristics of WML in this population and to explore potential risk factors.Methods:226 patients with migraine and PFO were consecutively initially screened.Relevant factors were selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression and multivariable logistic regression model.A Nomogram was employed to visualize the prediction model conveniently.The discrimination and calibration abilities were evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC)curve,the Hosmer-Lemeshow test,and calibration curves.Results:One hundred and nineteen participants were ultimately enrolled in our study,with a median age of 36.9±12.7 years and 80.7%of females.Brain magnetic resonance imaging MRI showed 67(56.3%)patients had WML,whereas 52(43.7%)patients were categorized into the non-WML group.LASSO regression screened out potential variables and subsequent multivariate analysisfinally identified age,mean platelet volume,andfibri-nogen(FIB)as independent predictive factors of WML.The area under the ROC curve(AUC)was 0.807.Hos-mer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve verified a consistency between the predicted and actual probability.Conclusion:The predictive nomogram established and validated in our study may assist clinicians in screening WML among young middle-aged migraineurs with PFO and developing individualized preventive and treatment strategies.

The bio-active components of the Mongolian medicine Horcha-6 and therapeutic mechanism in the rat migraine model

Background:The active components of Horcha-6 were identified using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.Also,we investigated the potential mechanisms that explain why Horcha-6 may be effective in treating migraines through the use of network pharmacology and a rat migraine model.Methods:After identifying the active components of Horcha-6,the corresponding genes of the active components’target were obtained from the Universal Protein database,and a“compound-target-disease”network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.0 software.For the in vivo experiments,nitroglycerin was injected intraperitoneally into rats to create a migraine model.Pre-treatment with Horcha-6 was administered orally for 14 days,and rats were subjected to migraine-related behavior tests.RNA sequencing was performed to identify the gene expression regulated by Horcha-6 in the trigeminal nerve.Results:A total of 903 chemical components of Horcha-6 have been collected in the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.We discovered 55 of the Horcha-6 bio-active components that were evaluated based on their Percent Human Oral Absorption(≥30%)and DL values(≥0.185)on the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database.The“compound-target-disease”network contained 163 intersection targets with the migraine state.Gene Ontology analysis indicated that these components significantly regulated the immune response,vascular function,oxidative stress,etc.When Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis was performed,we observed that most of the target genes were significantly enriched in the inflammation and neuro-related signaling pathway,toll-like receptor signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,etc.These predictions were further demonstrated via in vivo animal model experiments.The RNA sequencing results showed that 41 genes were down-regulated(P<0.05)and 86 genes were up-regulated(P<0.05)in the Horcha-6 treated group compared with the untreated group.Those genes were mainly involved in neuromodulation,vascular function,and hormone metabolism.Conclusion:The 55 bio-active components in Horcha-6 regulate inflammation,hormone metabolism,and neurotransmitters and have potential as a therapy to treat migraines.

Efficacy and safety of Yangxue Qingnao Granules in treatment of migraine:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Yangxue Qingnao Granules(YXQN)is a Chinese patent medicine that has been commonly used in the clinical treatment of migraine.AIM To assess the efficacy and safety of YXQN alone for the treatment of migraine.METHODS We searched 10 databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials(RCTs)published before September 2022.Two review authors independently searched and screened the literature,extracted the data,and assessed the methodological quality of the studies using criteria from ROB 2.0,and analyzed the data using Review Manager 5.4 software.RESULTS A total of 12 RCTs including 767 participants with migraine met the selection criteria.We divided these studies into comparisons of YXQN with placebo,routine treatment drugs,and other Chinese patent medicines.The meta-analysis showed the following:(1)Efficacy:The YXQN group outperformed the placebo group[relative risk(RR)=0.29,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.15–0.43,P<0.00001],routine treatment group(RR=0.18,95%CI:0.09–0.27,P<0.0001),and Chinese patent medicine group(RR=0.27,95%CI:0.13–0.41,P<0.001);(2)frequency of headache:There was a significant difference between YXQN vs placebo[mean difference(MD)=-1.25,95%CI:-1.60 to-0.90,P<0.00001],routine treatment drugs(MD=-0.85,95%CI:-1.15 to-0.56,P<0.00001),and Chinese patent medicine(MD=-0.91,95%CI:-1.35 to-0.46,P<0.0001);(3)headache duration:We found great heterogeneity between studies,with no differences between YXQN and placebo(MD=-0.61,95%CI:-1.53 to-0.31,P=0.19)and routine treatment drugs(MD=-0.22,95%CI:-0.89 to 0.46,P<0.53).YXQN was more effective than other Chinese patent medicines in reducing headache duration(MD=-1.24,95%CI:-1.70 to-0.77,P<0.00001);and(4)headache severity:There was no significant difference between YXQN vs placebo(MD=-1.67,95%CI:-3.52 to 0.19,P=0.08),routine treatment drugs(MD=-0.53,95%CI:-2.02 to 0.96,P=0.68),and other Chinese patent medicines(MD=-0.49,95%CI:-2.83 to 1.85,P=0.68).Mild gastrointestinal adverse reactions were reported in three cases.CONCLUSION This study revealed that YXQN is effective and safe for treatment of migraine.

Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Migraine in Brazzaville

Introduction: Migraine is the most common primary headache, and can cause significant disability. There are two types, migraine without aura and migraine with aura. The diagnosis of migraine is essentially clinical. Worldwide prevalence was estimated at 11.6% in 2009. In Africa, it is estimated at 10.4%. Objective: To describe the clinical and therapeutic aspects of migraine in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This was a door-to-door cross-sectional study conducted from 1st May to 1 st July 2018 in the city of Brazzaville. Subjects over 18 with clearly expressed consent were included. The questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, diagnostic criteria for migraine according to the IHS, treatments taken. The degree of disability was determined using the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 for MAC. Results: Of the 1017 subjects interviewed in this study, 115 (39.9%) had migraine, including 73 women (63.47%) and 42 men (36.52%). In the group of migraine sufferers, the number of cases of definite migraine was 61 (53.04%) and that of probable migraine 54 (46.95%). For 81 migraine sufferers (70.43%), stress was the triggering factor. The frequency of attacks was weekly and monthly for 30 (26.1%) and 19 (16.5%) sufferers respectively. The location of the migraine was unilateral in 38% of cases and tilted in 24.3%. The intensity of the attack was described as moderate and severe in 41.7% and 57.4% of subjects respectively. Phonophobia/photophobia accompanied the migraine in 65.2% of cases. One hundred and eight subjects were treated. Of these, 106 (98.1%) were on medication. Eleven (10.37%) had received a medical prescription, and ninety-seven (89.8%) were self-medicating. Five and three subjects were under the care of a general practitioner and a neurologist respectively. Conclusion: Migraine is a frequent pathology in Brazzaville. Its preponderance among young people and women calls for the implementation of effective prevention strategies for these already vulnerable social groups. The form without aura was the most common type. Visual aura was the most common type. Headache-related symptoms were dominated by phonophotophobia, followed by nausea and vomiting. Almost all migraine sufferers were self-medicating, and very few were under the care of a doctor. First-line analgesics and NSAIDs were the mainstay of treatment.

Exploring the mechanism of active ingredients of Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma in treating migraine headache through network pharmacology and animal experiments

Background:To explore the potential mechanism of action of the active ingredients of Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma(SGR)in the treatment of migraine using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments.Methods:Through the search of Traditional Chinese Medicines Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform,Genecards,Drugbank and other databases,we obtained active ingredients,targets of SGR and related disease targets of migraine,and took the intersection for protein-protein interactions analysis.After constructing the network diagram,network topology analysis was performed to derive the core targets and key active ingredients,and Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed.Finally,molecular docking was performed and validated by in vivo experiments.In vivo experiments,18 male BALB/c mice were selected,and the SGR group was fed with SGR drinking tablet concentrate,and nitroglycerin injection was used to construct a mouse model of migraine.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test was used to detect the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and AKT1 in plasma.Results:The results showed that the core targets of SGR for the treatment of migraine were TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and AKT1.These core targets and key active ingredients had better binding ability.Compared with the blank group,the number of head scratching in the model group increased.Compared with the model group,there was a significant reduction of the number of head scratching in the SGR group.In comparison with the blank group,the protein level in the plasma in the model group was markedly higher.Compared with the model group,the protein level in the SGR group was significantly lower.Conclusion:SGR has the characteristics of improving migraine based on multi-targets,multi-components and multi-pathways,and the mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the release of inflammatory factors,neuron protection,and interference with apoptosis and other processes.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Migraine Frequency and Severity in Neurology

Objective: This systematic review examines the impact of lifestyle factors on migraine frequency and severity through a comprehensive analysis of lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, sleep patterns, stress, mental health, and environmental influences. Methods: We thoroughly searched Google Scholar, PUBMED, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using keywords related to migraines and lifestyle factors. Keywords incorporated the Boolean operator “and” to narrow search results. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we identified, screened, and evaluated studies for inclusion, resulting in nine studies meeting the eligibility criteria. Results: A total of 4917 records were initially identified from Scopus (2786), PubMed (854), and Web of Science (1277). Following deduplication, 3657 records underwent title screening, with 382 additionally screened by abstract. Ultimately, 88 full-text articles were assessed, resulting in 9 studies meeting eligibility for qualitative synthesis: 7 prospective and 2 retrospective studies. Our findings highlight the multifaceted role of lifestyle factors in migraine pathophysiology and management. Dietary habits, such as high-calorie, high-fat, and gluten-containing diets were linked to migraine triggers. Moderate physical activity showed beneficial effects on migraine management, while intense exercise could exacerbate symptoms. Poor sleep hygiene and insomnia were strongly associated with increased migraine frequency and severity. Chronic stress and poor mental health significantly contributed to migraine exacerbation, with stress management techniques proving beneficial. Environmental factors, including light, sound, weather changes, and allergens, were also identified as significant migraine triggers. Conclusions: Personalized lifestyle modifications, tailored to individual patient profiles, are crucial in managing migraines. Evidence-based recommendations include balanced diets, moderate physical activity, improved sleep hygiene, stress management techniques, and environmental adaptations.

Migraine as a sex-conditioned inherited disorder: evidences from China and the world

Migraine is a complex and heterogeneous disorder. Although several genetic models has been proposed including autosomal-dominant/autosomal recessive, sex-linked, sex-limited, mitochondrial, and multi-gene, none of these models can well-explain the transmission of the disease. We hypothesied that migraine is a sex-conditioned inherited disorder （autosomal dominant in females and autosomal recessive in males）. This hypothesis is supported by the evidence such as the locations of genes associated with familial hemiplegic migraine, possibly ＂typical＂ migraine as well （dominantly on chromosome 19p, lq, and 2q）, male：female ratio of prevalence （1：2-1：4）, the mostly youth-onset, the provocation by the contraceptives, the induction by menstruation, and the self-limitation after menopause. Female sex-hormones appear to be the key contributor to a higher prevalence of migraine in female. Socio-environmental factors may also play an important role.

Contributions of aversive environmental stress to migraine chronification:Research update of migraine pathophysiology

Clinical studies have suggested that internal and/or external aversive cues may produce a negative affective-motivational component whereby maladaptive responses(plasticity)of dural afferent neurons are initiated contributing to migraine chronification.However,pathophysiological processes and neural circuitry involved in aversion(unpleasantness)-producing migraine chronification are still evolving.An interdisciplinary team conducted this narrative review aimed at reviewing neuronal plasticity for developing migraine chronicity and its relevant neurocircuits and providing the most cutting-edge information on neuronal mechanisms involved in the processing of affective aspects of pain and the role of unpleasantness evoked by internal and/or external cues in facilitating the chronification process of migraine headache.Thus,information presented in this review promotes the understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic migraine and contribution of unpleasantness(aversion)to migraine chronification.We hope that it will bring clinicians’attention to how the maladaptive neuroplasticity of the emotion brain in the aversive environment produces a significant impact on the chronification of migraine headache,which will in turn lead to new therapeutic strategies for this type of pain.

Greater occipital nerve blocks in the treatment of refractory chronic migraine: An observational report of nine cases

AIM To report the effects of greater occipital nerve(GON) blocks on refractory chronic migraine headache.METHODS Nine patients who were receiving the conventionally accepted preventive therapies underwent treatment with repeated GON block to control chronic migraine resistant to other treatments. GON blocking with lidocaine and normal saline mixture was administered by the same physician at hospital once a month(for three times in total). Patients were assessed before the injection and every month thereafter for pain frequency and severity, number of times analgesics were used and any appearant side effects during a 6 mo follow-up.RESULTS Eight of nine patients reported a marked decrease in frequency and severity of migraine attacks in comparison to their baseline symptoms; one reported no significant change(not more than 50%) from baseline and did not accept the second injection. GON block resulted in considerable reduction in pain frequency and severity and need to use analgesics up to three months after the injection in the present cases. The patients did not report any adverse effects. CONCLUSION Hereby we noticed a remarkable success with refractory chronic migraine patients. We believe that this intervention can result in rapid relief of pain with the effects lasting for perhaps several weeks or even months. Further controlled clinical trials are warranted to evaluate the effect of GON block in the treatment of refractory migraine cases.

STUDY ON THE ATTACK CONTROL ACTION OF ELECTRO-ACUPUNC-TURE ON T■IYANG(太阳EX-HN5)FOR MIGRAINE DUE TO HYPERAC-TIVITY OF LIVER YANG:RANDOMIED CONTROLED TRIAL

Objective To discuss the difference of electro-acupuncture and drug in controlling the attack of migraine due to hyperactivity of liver yang. Methods Three-centered random control method was used, and 300 qualified cases were randomly divided into treatment group （146 cases according to the design） and control group （140 cases）, which were respectively treated with electro-acupuncture and drugs （Compound Aminopyrine Phenacetin Tablets, Ergotamine Caffeine Tablets, Diazepam Tablets）, and observed the overall effect and scores of headache, accompanying symptoms, psychological and social adaptability scores, life quality scores, TCM symptoms scores and follow-up results before and after the treatment. Results In treatment group, the successful rate of attack control was 47.3 %, the improvement rate was 73.3 %, and the total effectiveness was 90.4 %, the clinical control rate and improvement were much superior to control group （the clinical control rate 35.7 %, improvement 61.4 %, the total effectiveness 85. 7 % ）, P〈0. 01, the difference in effect was mainly reflected in patients with moderate severity; the total scores of TCM syndrome after the treatment was obviously significant or very obviously significant（ P〈0. 05, P〈0. 01 ）, but the headache scores between two groups was not obviously significant（P〉0.05）, the difference in accompanying symptoms was significant（ P〈0. 01 ） ;the long term attack control action in two groups was not satisfactory, the recurrence was similar （P〉0. 05） ,the severity of headache in recurrence cases of treatment group was alleviated and superior to control group（ P 〈 0. 01 ）, the occurrence of headache after the treatment is much less than that before the treatment and the situation after 2 months was superior to control group （P〈0. 01 ）. Sleepiness and redness of face in some patients which were seen in control group weren＇t seen in treatment group. Conclusion Electro-acupuncture on Tàiyáng （太阳 EX-HN5） can control the attack of migraine due to hyperactivity of liver yang, and it has advantages in improving the accompanying symptoms and reducing the toxic and side effects of western drugs.

CLINICAL REPORT ON MULTI-CENTER RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF TREATMENT OF MIGRAINE BY ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE AT QI■X■(丘墟GB40)

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of electro acupuncture at QIǖXǖ（丘墟GB40） for treating migraine and provide clinical study for Acupoints Dictionary of People＇s Republic of China. Methods Multi-center （3 First-Class hospitals） study was adopted, and the involved 3 hospitals did clinical observation according to the requirements of the project. The methods are as follows. All cases were randomized into treatment group and control group according to their sequence. QIǖXǖ（丘墟GB40） was selected in treatment group, while Tiānshū （天枢 ST25） was selected in control group. Both groups were performed electro acupuncture, and syndromes indexes of migraine and 5-HT were observed before and after treatment. All data were analyzed by statistic software SPSS11.5. Results There was significant difference of VAS margin between two groups in each center and the combined center （u= -3. 362, P=0. 001 ）. There was significant difference of therapeutic effect of 4-week treatment between two groups in each clinical center and the combined center. The therapeutic effect of 3-month treatment between two groups in No. 1 and No. 3 hospitals, showed significant difference, the treatment group was better; while that of No. 2 hospital had no obvious difference. The therapeutic effect of 6-month treatment between two groups in each center and the combined center had significant difference, the treatment group was better. Conclusion The therapy of electro acupuncture at QIǖXǖ（丘墟GB40） is effective for migraine.

Regional volume changes of the brain in migraine chronification

The pathophysiology of migraine is complex.Neuroimaging studies reveal functional and structural changes in the brains of migraine patients.We sought to explore regional volume differences in intracranial structures in patients with episodic and chronic migraine.Sixteen episodic migraine patients,16 chronic migraine patients,and 24 normal controls were recruited and underwent 3.0 T MRI scanning.The volumes of 142 brain regions were calculated by an automatic volumetric algorithm and compared with clinical variables.Results demonstrated that the volumes of specific regions in the frontal and occipital lobes,and the right putamen,were increased and the volume of the fourth ventricle was decreased in the episodic migraine patients compared with controls.The volumes of the left basal forebrain,optic chiasm,and,the fourth ventricle were decreased in the chronic migraine patients,while the occipital cortex and the right putamen were larger.Compared to episodic migraine patiants,chronic migraine patients displayed larger left thalamus and smaller frontal regions.Correlation analysis showed that headache frequency was negatively correlated with the volume of the right frontal pole,right lateral orbital gyrus,and medial frontal lobes and positively correlated with the volume of the left thalamus.The sleep disturbance score was negatively correlated with the volume of the left basal forebrain.This suggests that migraine patients have structural changes in regions associated with pain processing and modulation,affective and cognitive processing,and visual perception.The remodeling of selective intracranial structures may be involved in migraine attacks.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Chinese PLA General Hospital(approval No.S2018-027-02)on May 31,2018.

Analysis of video head impulse test saccades data in patients with vestibular migraine or probable vestibular migraine

Objective:Saccades accompanied by normal gain in video head impulse tests(vHIT)are often observed in patients with vestibular migraine(VM).However,they are not considered as an independent indicator,reducing their utility in diagnosing VM.To better understand clinical features of VM,it is necessary to understand raw saccades data.Methods:Fourteen patients with confirmed VM,45 patients with probable VM(p-VM)and 14 agematched healthy volunteers were included in this study.Clinical findings related to spontaneous nystagmus(SN),positional nystagmus(PN),head-shaking nystagmus(HSN),caloric test and vHIT were recorded.Raw saccades data were exported and numbered by their sequences,and their features analyzed.Results:VM patients showed no SN,PN or HSN,and less than half of them showed unilateral weakness(UW)on caloric test.The first saccades from lateral semicircular canal stimulation were the most predominant for both left and right sides.Neither velocity nor time parameters were significantly different when compared between the two sides.Most VM patients(86%)exhibited small saccades,around 35%of the head peak velocity,with a latency of 200e400 ms.Characteristics of saccades were similar in patients with p-VM.Only four normal subjects showed saccades,all unilateral and seemingly random.Conclusions:Small saccades involving bilateral semicircular canals with a scattered distribution pattern are common in patients with VM and p-VM.

Vestibular migraine in low-and lower-middle-income countries:A scoping review

Background:Vestibular migraine(VM)is a common cause of dizziness that is underrecognized,underdiagnosed,and challenging to effectively treat.The prevalence,appropriate diagnostic workup,and therapies for VM in low-and lower-middle-income countries(LLMICs)remain understudied.The objective of this scoping review is to evaluate the current state of VM research in LLMICs.Methods:PubMed,Embase,and Web of Science databases were searched to execute a scoping review of VM.Keywords“vestibular diseases”and“vertigo”were used in combination with terms referring to LLMICs as defined by the World Bank.Title and abstract screening,full-text review,and data collection were conducted by two authors independently.Results:Twenty-six studies were included in the scoping review.Most studies were cross-sectional(57.7%)or case studies/series(23.1%)and were conducted in urban settings only(92.3%).Geographic distribution of studies was skewed,with 65.4%of articles originating from India.The prevalence of VM among clinic patients ranged from 0.3%to 33.3%.VM most frequently presented as headache,nausea and vomiting,and photophobia.Radiographic imaging,audiometry,and electronystagmography/videonystagmography were the three most commonly utilized diagnostic modalities in the dizziness workup.The most studied pharmacotherapies included calcium channel blockers,followed by beta-blockers and antiepileptics.Case studies and series discussed less common VM pharmacotherapies,such as ayurvedic medicine.Conclusions:There is a need for more VM research in LLMICs,including innovative diagnostic approaches and therapies that can improve VM care globally.Equitable partnerships between LLMIC and highincome country researchers must expand vestibular research capacity and productivity in LLMICs.

Electroacupuncture at Fengchi(GB20) inhibits calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in the trigeminovascular system of a rat model of migraine

Most migraine patients suffer from cutaneous allodynia; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Calcitonin gene-related peptide（CGRP） plays an important role in the pathophysiology of migraine, and it is therefore, a potential therapeutic target for treating the pain. In the present study, a rat model of conscious migraine, induced by repeated electrical stimulation of the superior sagittal sinus, was established and treated with electroacupuncture at Fengchi（GB20）（depth of 2–3 mm, frequency of 2/15 Hz, intensity of 0.5–1.0 m A, 15 minutes/day, for 7 consecutive days）. Electroacupuncture at GB20 significantly alleviated the decrease in hind paw and facial withdrawal thresholds and significantly lessened the increase in the levels of CGRP in the trigeminal ganglion, trigeminal nucleus caudalis and ventroposterior medial thalamic nucleus in rats with migraine. No CGRP-positive cells were detected in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis or ventroposterior medial thalamic nucleus by immunofluorescence. Our findings suggest that electroacupuncture treatment ameliorates migraine pain and associated cutaneous allodynia by modulating the trigeminovascular system ascending pathway, at least in part by inhibiting CGRP expression in the trigeminal ganglion.

Midbrain enkephalin expression in a rat migraine model following intragastric scorpion powder administration

Scorpion has strong analgesic effects, but its analgesic mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of scorpion powder on enkephalin expression in the midbrain of rats with nitroglycerin-induced migraine at mRNA and protein levels. Results confirmed that migraine rat abnormal behavior was significantly improved, and proenkephalin mRNA expression was significantly increased following treatment with scorpion. The number of methionine-enkephalin- positive cells in the migraine rats following treatment with scorpion was significantly increased, but no significant difference in the number of leucine-enkephalin-positive cells was detectable compared with migraine and normal rats. Taken together, these results show that scorpion exerts potentially beneficial effects by promoting enkephalin expression in nitroglycerin-induced migraine rats.

Gastrointestinal disorders associated with migraine: A comprehensive review

Migraine is a recurrent and commonly disabling primary headache disorder that affects over 17% of women and 5%-8% of men. Migraine susceptibility is multifactorial with genetic, hormonal and environmental factors all playing an important role. The physiopathology of migraine is complex and still not fully understood. Many different neuropeptides, neurotransmitters and brain pathways have been implicated. In connection with the myriad mechanisms and pathways implicated in migraine, a variety of multisystemic comorbidities(e.g., cardiovascular, psychiatric and other neurological conditions) have been found to be closely associated with migraine. Recent reports demonstrate an increased frequency of gastrointestinal(GI) disorders in patients with migraine compared with the general population. Helicobacter pylori infection, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, hepatobiliary disorders, celiac disease and alterations in the microbiota have been linked to the occurrence of migraine. Several mechanisms involving the gut-brain axis, such as a chronic inflammatory response with inflammatory and vasoactive mediators passing to the circulatory system, intestinal microbiota modulation of the enteric immunological milieu and dysfunction of the autonomic and enteric nervous system, have been postulated to explain these associations. However, the precise mechanisms and pathways related to the gut-brain axis in migraine need to be fully elucidated. In this review, we survey the available literature linking migraine with GI disorders. We discuss the possible physiopathological mechanisms, and clinical implications as well as several future areas of interest for research.

Gabapentin inhibits central sensitization during migraine

Peripheral and central sensitizations are phenomena that occur during migraine. The role of gabapentin, a migraine preventive drug, on central sensitization remains unclear. In this study, a rat model of migraine was established by electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion, and the animals were given intragastric gabapentin. Changes in amino acid content in the cerebrospinal fluid and protein kinase C membrane translocation in the spinal trigeminal nucleus were examined to clarify the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of gabapentin in the treatment of central sensiti- zation during migraine. Electrophysiology, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and western blot analysis results revealed that gabapentin reduces neuronal excitability in the spinal nucleus in the trigeminal nerve, decreases excitatory amino acid content and inhibits the activation of protein kinase C. This provides evidence that excitatory amino acids and protein kinase C are involved in the formation and maintenance of central sensitization during migraine. Gabapentin inhibits mi- graine by reducing excitatory amino acid content in the cerebrospinal fluid and inhibiting protein kinase C activation.

Rizatriptan benzoate influences the endogenous pain modulatory system in a rat model of migraine

The present study utilized a nitroglycerin-induced rat model of migraine to detect the effects of rizatriptan benzoate on proenkephalin and substance P gene expression in the midbrain using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and investigate whether rizatriptan benzoate can regulate the endogenous pain modulatory system. The results showed that rizatriptan benzoate significantly reduced expression of the mRNAs for proenkephalin and substance P. Rizatriptan benzoate may inhibit the analgesic effect of the endogenous pain modulatory system.