Role of adipocytokines in the pathophysiology of migraine: A cross-sectional study

Background Obesity is a risk factor for migraine and headache chronification. Adipocytokines may be involved in this correlation. Objective To relate serum adipocytokine levels to clinical and biochemical parameters associated with migraine. Methods We measured levels of leptin, adiponectin and other inflammatory (interleukin 6, interleukin 10, tumor necrosis factor , high sensitivity C-reactive protein) and endothelial (pentraxin 3, soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis) molecules potentially related to migraine pathophysiology in a group of migraine patients (IHS 2013) and healthy controls. Results One hundred and eleven patients (mean age 39.7 years, 93% female) and 24 healthy controls (mean age 35.9 years, 90% female) were included. Fifty-six patients were diagnosed with episodic migraine (mean age 35.1 years, 98.2% female) and 55 patients with chronic migraine (mean age 44.4 years, 89.5% female). Leptin serum levels (15.2ng/mL, SD=10.5 vs. 3.1ng/mL, SD=0.9; p<0.001) and adiponectin serum levels (72.3 mu g/mL, SD=38.5 vs. 37.7 mu g/mL, SD=16.9; p<0.001) were significantly increased in migraine patients. Leptin serum levels (15.5ng/mL, SD=9.7 vs. 10.8ng/mL, SD=6.0; p<0.001) and adiponectin serum levels (65.8 mu g/mL, SD=42.9 vs. 33.2 mu g/mL, SD=31.0; p<0.001) were significantly higher in chronic compared to episodic migraine patients. We found a positive correlation between leptin levels and inflammatory biomarkers: IL6 (r=0.498; p<0.001), TNF- (r=0.389; p<0.001), and hs-CRP (r=0.422; p<0.001). Conclusions Leptin and adiponectin are increased in migraineurs. There is a correlation between adipocytokine levels and other inflammation-related molecules. This suggests a potential role of adipocytokines in migraine pathophysiology and chronification.