Serum Levels of Neopterin, Galectin-3, TNF-α and IL-10 During Interictal and Attack Periods of Migraine Patients

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to determine the serum levels of neopterin, galectin-3, TNF-α and IL-10 during interictal and attack periods of migraine patients. Thus, it is thought that the results of the study will contribute to the literature on the theory of neurogenic inflammation.
Materials and Methods: Eighty migraine patients (40 attacks and 40 interictal periods) and 30 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Blood samples were taken from the people participating in the study and serum was obtained under appropriate conditions. Serum levels of the all parameters were determined by ELISA method using commercial kit (Coon Koon, Shanghai, Chine). The difference between the groups was evaluated by appropriate statistical analysis methods.
Results: Galectin-3 and neopterin levels were higher during the attack period in migraine patients compared to the interictal period. IL-10 and galectin-3 levels were higher in migraine patients during the attack period than in the control group. There was no significant difference in any parameter between the control group and the interictal period. There was a correlation between galectin-3 and neopterin levels in all groups (r=0.598, p<0.001).
Conclusion: In our study, the levels of proinflammatory molecules such as galectin-3 and neopterin were found to be higher in migraine patients during attacks, which is consistent with the theory of neurogenic inflammation. It is thought that the increase in IL-10 levels during the attack occurs in order to limit inflammation. Since the tetrahydrobiopterin pathway plays a role in inflammatory and neuropathic pain, it was thought that high neopterin levels during an attack may be associated with migraine headache.