Analysis of dopamine beta hydroxylase gene polymorphisms in migraine.

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a complex neurological disorder characterized by severe recurrent headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. The frequency and duration of these symptoms varies among individuals. Dopaminergic systems are believed to be involved in migraine pathophysiology. We aimed to look for association of polymorphisms in dopaminergic genes in genetic susceptibility to migraine in Turkey population.

METHODS

The present study was designed to explore possible association of three polymorphisms, (1021C>T (Rs1611115), +1603C>T (Rs6271; C535R) and +444G>A (rs1108580), of Dopamin Beta Hydroxylase gene in migraine patients. 200 migraine patients and 267 healthy controls were included in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood and genotypes were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

Statistical evaluation of data results showed a significant association for allelic and genotypic frequency distribution between the Dopamin Beta Hydroxylase gene +1603C>T polymorphism and migraine (p=0.000, OR: 4.36, 95% CI: 2.73-7.16). There was no association observed between the -1021C>T and +444 G>A polymorphisms of the Dopamin Beta Hydroxylase gene and migraine (p=0.8731 and p=0.7584).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reflects that Dopamin Beta Hydroxylase gene +1603C>T polymorphism may be one of the many genetic factors for migraine susceptibility in the Turkish population.