Increased fibrinogen, D-dimer and galectin-3 levels in patients with migraine

Neurol Sci. 2014 Apr;35(4):545-9. doi: 10.1007/s10072-013-1542-2. Epub 2013 Sep 22.

Abstract

There are limited studies evaluating the fibrinogen levels in patients with migraine. It remains unknown whether the levels of the haematological marker of thromboembolism, D-dimer, and the levels of galectin-3, which plays an important role in inflammation as a proinflammatory mediator, change during the attacks in patients with migraine. The present study aims to compare galectin-3, fibrinogen and D-dimer levels in patients with migraine during the attacks and interictal periods, and to compare galectin-3, fibrinogen and D-dimer levels between patients with migraine and healthy controls to investigate the role of these parameters in the pathogenesis of migraine. Fifty-nine patients with migraine and 30 age-gender matched healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Blood galectin-3, fibrinogen and D-dimer levels were measured in patients with migraine. Patients with migraine had higher levels of galectin-3, fibrinogen and D-dimer compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between galectin-3 and fibrinogen levels during the attacks and interictal period in the migraine group (p > 0.05). Migraine patients had higher D-dimer levels during the attacks compared to the patients in the interictal period in the migraine group (p = 0.05). In conclusion, we found increased levels of fibrinogen, D-dimer and galectin-3 in patients with migraine compared to the healthy control group. Furthermore, we showed increased galectin-3 levels in patients with migraine, and higher D-dimer levels during migraine attacks compared to the interictal periods for the first time. These findings may be associated with the hypercoagulability and neurogenic inflammation during migraine headaches.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / analysis*
  • Fibrinogen / analysis*
  • Galectin 3 / blood*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / blood*

Substances

  • Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products
  • Galectin 3
  • fibrin fragment D
  • Fibrinogen