NF-kB mediated inflammation in migraine

NF-kB was shown to be activated in migraine and was associated with an increase in mediators of inflammation. NF-kB activation returned to normal at the end of the migraine attack.

The authors conclude that these findings suggest the use of NF-kB inhibitors may be beneficial in the treatment of migraine.

The theory elaborated on this site suggests that by supplementing natural NF-kB inhibitors, migraine can be prevented or relieved. The study referenced below is consistent with that theory.

The publication:

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Cephalalgia. 2006 Sep;26(9):1071-9.

NF-kappaB activity and iNOS expression in monocytes from internal jugular blood of migraine without aura patients during attacks.

Sarchielli P, Floridi A, Mancini ML, Rossi C, Coppola F, Baldi A, Pini LA, Calabresi P.

Summary of the abstract

This study investigated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activity in monocytes obtained from serial samples of internal jugular venous blood taken from seven migraine patients without aura during attacks.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was also assessed. An increase in NF-kappaB activity peaked 2 h after attack onset. This was accompanied by a transient reduction in IkappaBalpha expression. Up-regulation of iNOS was evident at 4 h, maintained at 6 h and reduced at the end of the attack.

These findings substantiate the hypothesis of transitory delayed inflammation, and suggest the possibility of using therapeutic approaches to target NF-kappaB transcription in the treatment of migraine.

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