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First Gene Link to Common Migraine Uncovered
The study first compared the genome of more than 3,000 migraine sufferers in Finland, Germany and the Netherlands against that of some 10,000 non-sufferers.
These results were then compared in a second phase with the genomes of a second batch, comprising 3,000 migraine patients and more than 40,000 otherwise healthy people.
The study found rs1835740 to be one of several connecting genetic cogs in regulating glutamate levels.
The allele alters the MTDH/AEG-1 gene, which in turn affects a gene called EAA2.
The EAAT2 gene controls a protein that is responsible for clearing glutamate from the brain synapses. This protein has previously been linked with epilepsy, schizophrenia and various mood and anxiety disorders.
The authors say further work is needed to confirm the findings and see whether other genetic culprits abound.
Patients in the study were recruited mainly from specialist headache clinics, which means they are likely to represent only the more extreme end of those who suffer from common migraines, said Gisela Terwindt of Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands.
"In the future, we should look at associations across the general population, including also people who are less severely affected," she said.
Migraine is believed to occur when inflammatory chemicals are released around the nerves and blood vessels in the head, inducing pain that can be excruciating. It is sometimes accompanied by nausea and hyper-sensitivity to light and sound.
Common migraines fall into two categories -- those with an "aura," or shimmering circle seen by the sufferer, and those without.
Sufferers tend to be aged 35-45, although the frequency and duration of the attacks can very widely.
Source-AFP
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