Investigation of TNFA 308G > A and TNFB 252G > A polymorphisms in genetic susceptibility to migraine.

We aimed to look for the association of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene polymorphisms (TNFA 308G > A, and TNFB 252G > A) in genetic susceptibility to migraine. The pathogenesis of migraine involves many immune-mediated mechanisms in the vascular endothelium. TNF, being a potent immunomodulator and pro-inflammatory cytokine, is suggested to be involved in inflammatory reactions leading to migraine attacks. A total of 216 normotensive migraine patients, 160 tension type headache (TTH) patients and 216 healthy controls (HC) were recruited in the study. The genetic polymorphisms were investigated through SNP association analysis using a matched case control migraine population. Genotyping of TNFA 308G > A polymorphism and TNFB 252G > A was done using ARMS PCR and PCR-RFLP, respectively. A borderline association was observed in TNFA 308GA genotype in migraine patients versus HC (p = 0.043; OR = 1.763; 95% CI = 1.019-3.051). After sub-grouping migraine into migraine with aura (MA) or without aura, significant difference at genotypic (p = 0.015; OR = 2.293; 95% CI = 1.172-4.487) as well as allelic (p = 0.035; OR = 1.955; 95% CI = 1.047-3.651) level was evident. The difference was even more significant in female MA at genotypic (p = 0.006; OR = 2.901; 95% CI = 1.361-6.181) and allelic level (p = 0.017; OR = 2.318; 95% CI = 1.159-4.635) as well as for A allele carriers in MA [p value = 0.020; OR = 2.205 (1.132-4.295)] and female MA (p value = 0.008; OR = 2.741; CI = 1.297-5.792). No association of TNFB252G > A was observed in migraine patients or any subgroups. We did not find any association of TNFA or TNFB gene polymorphisms with TTH. In conclusion, the TNFA 308G > A polymorphism was found to be associated with MA, particularly in females, whereas we could not find any association of TNFB 252G > A polymorphism in genetic susceptibility to migraine on comparing the migraine patients with HC or TTH patients.