Study of the Molecular Genetics of Menstrual Migraine

A Case-control Study of the Molecular Genetics of Menstrual Migraine (Pure Menstrual and Menstrually-related Migraine)

The investigators hypothesize that genes that play a role in menstrual migraine can be identified using a well characterised migraine population and a comprehensive genome-wide association scan approach.

The aim of the study is to identify genes, genetic regions, and the effect of hormones on expression profiles in women with menstrual migraine compared to a control population with no personal or first-degree family history of migraine.

In this case control study, saliva samples will be taken from 300 cases and 300 controls for DNA analysis. Blood samples from 30 cases and 30 controls will be taken during the follicular phase as well as the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle for ribonucleic acid (RNA) analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

All cases and controls must:

• Be over 18 years
• Caucasian
• Provide written, informed consent
• Clearly understand and be able to comply with all the trial procedures, as required
• Not have taken part in trials of any investigational products within the previous 4 weeks

DNA Study:

• Cases must have at least a 12-month current or past history of menstrual migraine

RNA Study:

• Cases must have at least a 12-month current history of menstrual migraine
• Cases must have kept at least three months of headache diary data in advance of visit in order to confirm diagnosis
• Controls must still be having menstrual periods

Exclusion Criteria:

DNA Study:

• Cases and controls must not have smoked, chewed gum or consumed any food or drink in the 30 minutes prior to sample collection

RNA Study:

• Cases and controls will not be eligible for participation if they have:

  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome;
  • Taken any hormones or drugs in the previous three months that may affect normal hormone activity (e.g., hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, dietary supplements such as isoflavones);
  • Donated or lost a significant amount of blood (> 550 mL) within the previous 12 weeks
  • Additionally, controls must not have a personal or family history in any first-degree relative of current or past migraine