Image by DCSTudio on Freepik
Professor Dale Nyholt of QUT and Ph.D. candidate Rafiqul Islam of QUT describe using large-scale genome-wide associations studies (GWAS) summary statistics to examine hundreds of thousands of human genomes from headache and migraine sufferers and non-sufferers in a study that was published in the journal Human Genetics. The study revealed that there is a genetic link between migraine and blood sugar levels.
The co-occurrence of migraine and glycaemic (blood sugar level) features had been noted in observational epidemiological studies, but Professor Nyholt of the QUT Center for Genomics and Personalized Health said it remained unclear how they were genetically connected.
“About 15% of the global population is affected by migraine, and as far back as 1935, migraine was described as a ‘glycemic headache,'” Professor Nyholt said.
“Glycemic traits such as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia (too much insulin), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), and type 2 diabetes are associated with migraine and headache.
“By identifying genetic correlations and shared loci and genes in our analyses we have inferred causal association and thus confirmed and improved understanding of the relationship between migraine, headache, and glycemic traits.”
Mr. Islam said the researchers performed cross-trait analyses to estimate genetic correlation, identify shared genomic regions, loci, genes, and pathways, and then tested for causal relationships.
“Out of the nine glycemic traits we looked at, we found a significant genetic correlation for fasting insulin (blood insulin level) and glycated hemoglobin with both migraine and headache, while two-hour glucose was genetically correlated only with migraine,” he said.
“We also found regions harboring genetic risk factors shared between migraine and fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and glycated hemoglobin, and for headache, shared regions with glucose, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting proinsulin.
“Further analyses produced evidence for a causal relationship between migraine and headache with multiple glycemic traits.
“Our findings provide avenues to develop novel treatment strategies for managing glycemic traits in migraine and headache patients, particularly increasing fasting proinsulin level to protect against headache.”
The link between migraine and blood sugar levels will help come up with new treatments and strategies do beat the condition in chronic patients.
more recommended stories
Stroke Risk Linked to Low Birthweight, Not Adult BMIKey Points Low birthweight is associated.
Physical Activity Guidelines Gap: Walking is InsufficientQuick Summary Walking remains the most.
Breast Cancer Risk Rises with Aging Tissue ChangesKey Highlights A 3-million-cell atlas reveals.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Rising in Genetically SusceptibleQuick Summary Rising type 2 diabetes.
Female Microbiome Shaped by Diet, Stress, Unhealthy LifestyleQuick Summary Lifestyle factors significantly influence.
Transcatheter Valve-in-Valve Improves Mitral OutcomesKey Highlights Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve (mVIV).
Stroke Rehabilitation: Early High-Intensity Therapy FindingsKey Highlights High-intensity therapy within 2.
TRPM8 Cold Sensation Mechanism Explained for Pain CareQuick Summary TRPM8 ion channel converts.
Gum Recession from Snus Confirmed, Caries Risk DebatedKey Highlights Snus use is strongly.
Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Role of Daily ActivityKey Points Summary Limiting sedentary time.
Leave a Comment