Serum Levels of Neopterin, Galectin-3, Tissue Necrosis Factor Alpha, and Interleukin-10 During the Interictal and Attack Periods of Patients with Migraine

Objective: This study aimed to determine the serum levels of neopterin, galectin-3, tissue necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) during the interictal and attack periods of patients with migraine. It is hoped that the findings will contribute to the literature on the theory of neurogenic inflammation.
Materials and Methods: Eighty patients with migraine (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 the appropriate conditions. The serum levels of all the parameters were determined using a ELISA kit (Coon Koon, Shanghai, China). The difference between the groups was evaluated using appropriate statistical analysis methods.
Results: Galectin-3 and neopterin levels were higher during the attack period compared with the interictal period, and IL-10 and galectin-3 levels were higher during the attack period than in the control group. There was no significant difference in any parameter between the control and interictal period groups. There was a correlation between galectin-3 and neopterin levels in all groups (r = 0.598, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The levels of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as galectin-3 and neopterin, were found to be higher in patients with migraine 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 to limit inflammation. Since the tetrahydrobiopterin pathway plays a role in inflammatory and neuropathic pain, it is thought that high neopterin levels during an attack may be associated with migraine headaches.