Genetics of dopamine metabolism, dopamine-β-hydroxylase and migraine
Findings implicate DBH in the genetics of MA and are consistent with low NE and increased DA activities in migraine.
Abstract
Evaluation of: Fernandez F, Lea RA, Colson NJ, Bellis C, Quinlan S, Griffiths LR: Association between a 19 bp polymorphism at the dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) locus and migraine with aura. J. Neurol. Sci. 251, 118–123 (2006). Several association studies have been performed in migraine genetics, often with still unverified or controversial findings. Genes implicated in the metabolism of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) have been analyzed. Dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) effects the conversion of DA into NE, and its enzymatic activity has been found to be altered in migraineurs. In a study of 275 migraineurs versus 275 controls, a significant genetic association was found between a 19 base pair deletion polymorphism in DBH and migraine with aura (MA), particularly in males. Males homozygous for the DBH deletion polymorphism had 3.7-times the risk for MA. These findings implicate DBH in the genetics of MA and are consistent with low NE and increased DA activities in migraine.