The relationship between tumor necrosis factor α-308 G/A polymorphism and serum tumor necrosis factor α levels in patients with migraine without aura

Migraine is a primary headache, and although its pathophysiology is not yet fully understood, genetic and environmental factors are thought to be effective. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a pain mediator in neurovascular inflammation, and may also be a potential mechanism in the occurrence of migraine-type headache. In this study, it was investigated whether the presence of TNFα-308 G/A polymorphism increases migraine risk and its effect on serum TNFα level. 70 patients diagnosed with migraine without aura and 65 healthy volunteers were included in the study. After obtaining informed consent from all patients, blood samples were taken for DNA isolation and TNFα-308 G/A polymorphism was analyzed. In addition, during the migraine attack and at least seven days after the headache-free period, the blood was taken from the patients and serum TNFα levels were measured. For the Turkish population, the findings obtained from patients and healthy volunteers were compared statistically. A/A genotype was more common in patients with migraine without aura than in the healthy population. Serum TNFα level was found to be higher during migraine attack. When the TNFα levels of the patients with G/A genotype were compared with and without attacks, the difference was found to be statistically significant. The difference between serum TNFα levels taken during the attack of patients with G/A and A/A genotypes was also statistically significant and TNFα levels were higher. TNFα-308 G/A polymorphism differs according to ethnic groups. Having the A/A genotype in the Turkish population may be a risk factor for the development of migraine. In order to better understand the relationship between TNFα-308 G/A polymorphism and TNFα level, the plasma level of TNFα should be correlated to the time elapsed after the onset of attacks.