Is migraine an inflammatory event? Which inflammatory markers can we use for migraine?

Abstract

Aim: It is considered that a relationship exist between migraine and neurogenic inflammation. High levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein were determined in the studies. The cytoprotective and antioxidant effect of bilirubin has been shown. Lower serum bilirubin levels have been shown some diseases. For all that, there is no consensus in the results. Our purpose in this study is to determine the relationship between migraine and inflammation markers like erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein , bilirubin. Material and Methods: The study included 50 migraine patients and 40 healthy individuals as a control group. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, bilirubin parameters, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase were recorded. Results: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in migraine group. Bilirubin parameters and aspartate aminotransferase , alanine aminotransferase values were similar. Conclusion: Higher serum inflammatory markers support the role of inflammation in migraine pathogenesis. For bilirubin levels larger cross- sectional studies are needed.