Autotaxin as a novel biomarker of migraine

Abstract Background Migraine is the most common neurological disorder and the second most disabling human condition. As Autotaxin (ATX) may be a link between common mechanisms associated with migraine, we aimed to test its role as a novel biomarker of migraine. Methods In this cross-sectional study, healthy controls (n = 68), episodic migraine (EM) (n = 45), and chronic migraine (CM) patients (n = 38) were studied. Clinical outcomes, such as Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), frequency of headaches (days/month), evolution time (months) and the crisis of attacks (hours); as well as serum biomarkers for inflammation (interleukin-6, [IL-6], and interleukin-10 [IL-10]), trigeminovascular system activation (calcitonin gene-related peptide, [CGRP]), endothelial dysfunction (pentraxin-3, [PTX-3], cellular fibrinogen [cFn], soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis [sTWEAK]), and ATX, were investigated. Additionally, the serum lipidomic biomarkers profile was also performed. Results Serum ATX levels were found to be significantly elevated in both EM (310.7 ± 79.69 ng/mL) and CM (336.7 ± 66.93 ng/mL) compared to controls (212.3 ± 53.19 ng/mL) (p < 0.0001). Elevated ATX levels were associated with migraine outcomes in CM (VAS, frequency, evolution time and crisis duration). ATX was correlated with CGRP, PTX3, sTWEAK, Fn; and IL-6. A drastic decrease in serum lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) levels indicates high ATX activity in migraine. Conclusions Serum levels of ATX were significantly increased in EM and CM. In addition, ATX correlates with clinical outcomes, as well as CGRP, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation biomarkers. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the potential role of ATX as a therapeutic target for migraine.