Thr698Thr (nt2369) polymorphism on CACNA1A gene and head pain severity in familial migraine

BACKGROUND Migraine is a common neurological disorder with a significant genetic component. Less information is known about the contribution of minor genetic variations, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the migraine process. In the present study, we aim to investigate the role of CACNA1A gene polymorphism on severity and related factors in family positive migraine patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included 74 common migraine patients consequently. Headache severity was evaluated according to Headache Impact Test (HIT6) questionnaire and quality of life of patients was investigated according to MSQ (Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire v2.1) questionnaire. Thirty patients with positive family history of migraine were selected and sequencing analysis after DNA extraction was performed. RESULTS Direct sequencing revealed a known SNP G to A transition in the exon 16 (nt2369, G → A) in 9 patients. There was no significantly correlation between polymorphism and type of migraine, severity, frequency, duration and quality of life in family positive migraine. Evaluated migraine severity by HIT6 questioner couldn't act as a risk factor for this polymorphism (OR: 0.93, CI%95 0.82-1.06 P = 0.3). CONCLUSION In Iranian population no significant association was seen between Thr698Thr (nt2369) polymorphism and head pain severity in familial migraine. Confirmation of this hypothesis needs further investigation.