THE ROLE OF CALCITONIN GENE-RELATED PEPTIDE AND PENTRAXIN-3 IN MIGRAINE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND DIAGNOSIS

Abstract

Background: Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by neurovascular dysregulation and inflammation. Biomarkers such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and pentraxin-3 (PTX3) may play a key role in migraine pathophysiology.

Objective: To evaluate serum CGRP and PTX3 levels in migraine patients compared with healthy controls and explore their clinical associations.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including migraine patients (n=40) and age-matched controls (n=40). Demographic, clinical, and triggering factors were recorded. Hematological parameters, CGRP, and PTX3 levels were analyzed. Data were assessed using Mann-Whitney U and t-tests with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Migraine patients showed significantly higher CGRP (99.6 vs. 14.8 ng/L) and PTX3 (100.5 vs. 31.1 pg/L) levels compared with controls (p<0.001). Neutrophils were elevated while lymphocytes were reduced in migraineurs. Stress, skipping meals, and photophobia were the most frequent triggers.

Conclusion: Elevated CGRP and PTX3 levels indicate their involvement in migraine pathogenesis and potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and prophylactic therapy development.