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Query: UMLS:C0018681 (headache)
 56,091 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The aetiology of cluster headache is still not yet completely understood, but the potential relevance of genetic factors has been recognized during recent years. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a critical role in the regulation of vasodilation, neurotransmission, inflammation and many other events throughout the body. NO also appears to be an important mediator of vascular headache pathophysiology. In this study we have performed an association analysis of five polymorphic microsatellite markers in the three different NO synthase (NOS) genes; nNOS (NOS1), iNOS (NOS2A) and eNOS (NOS3). Ninety-one cluster headache patients diagnosed according to International Headache Society criteria and 111 matched controls were studied. Phenotype and allele frequencies were similarly distributed in patients and controls except for an iNOS (NOS2A) pentanucleotide repeat allele which was significantly more common in controls. We observed a higher phenotype frequency of this allele in our control group compared with rates in control groups of other studies, whereas the frequency in our patients was similar to that in controls from previous reports. Thus, we conclude that it is unlikely that genetic variations within the NOS genes contribute greatly to cluster headache susceptibility.
Cephalalgia 2002 Nov
PMID:Analysis of nitric oxide synthase genes in cluster headache. 1242 Nov 62

In today's world, migraine is one of the most frequent disorders with an estimated world prevalence of 14.7% characterized by attacks of a severe headache making people enfeebled and imposing a big socioeconomic burden. The pathophysiology of a migraine is not completely understood however there are pieces of evidence that epigenetics performs a primary role in the pathophysiology of migraine. Here, in this review, we highlight current evidence for an epigenetic link with migraine in particular DNA methylation of numerous genes involved in migraine pathogenesis. Outcomes of various studies have explained the function of DNA methylation of a several migraine related genes such as RAMP1, CALCA, NOS1, ESR1, MTHFR and NR4A3 in migraine pathogenesis. Mentioned data suggested there exist a strong association of DNA methylation of migraine-related genes in migraine. Although we now have a general understanding of the role of epigenetic modifications of a numerous migraine associated genes in migraine pathogenesis, there are many areas of active research are of key relevance to medicine. Future studies into the complexities of epigenetic modifications will bring a new understanding of the mechanisms of migraine processes and open novel approaches towards therapeutic intervention.
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PMID:Aberrant DNA Methylation Pattern may Enhance Susceptibility to Migraine: A Novel Perspective. 3140 Feb 73