IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 genetic variants are associated with migraine diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a genetically determined disorder that predisposes to recurrent episodes of headache. Interleukin (IL)-18 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that seems to play a role in migraine pathophysiology, and its genetic variants could potentially impact susceptibility to migraine. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 genetic variants with migraine diagnosis and its clinical characteristics. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 152 people with migraine and 155 healthy controls, matched by sex, age, ethnicity, and body mass index. Clinical characteristics of migraine, as well as validated questionnaires regarding disability and impact of migraine, presence of allodynia, anxiety, depression, and hyperacusis were collected. Genotyping for IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 variants was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and TaqMan™ method. RESULTS: The IL18 rs360717A and rs187238G alleles were associated with increased chance of being diagnosed with migraine (OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.05-2.24, p = 0.028 and OR = 1.46, 95%CI 1.00-2.14, p = 0.049, respectively). In the dominant model, the rs360717GA + AA genotypes were also associated with a higher chance of migraine than the GG genotype (OR = 1.69, 95%CI 1.05-2.73, p = 0.030). In women, in addition to the previous associations, there was also an effect of the variants on the chance of migraine in the codominant models and dominant models. Furthermore, among women, there was an influence on the prevalence of postdrome perception with rs360717GA + AA (OR = 3.04, 95%CI 1.10-8.42, p = 0.032) and rs187238CG + GG (OR = 2.97, 95%CI 1.08-8.21, p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 variants were associated with migraine diagnosis and postdrome symptoms, especially in women. SIGNIFICANCE: This study has demonstrated that IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 variants play a role in migraine, influencing the chance of being diagnosed with migraine, particularly among women. There are prospects that IL18 variants could be considered potential genetic biomarkers for migraine.

Oral combined hormonal contraceptive associated with protection against allodynia in migraine in a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: For the most part, migraine afflicts young women who often need to use the hormonal contraceptive method. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of using exogenous estrogen, present in combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) and progestin-only methods on the prevalence of allodynia in women with migraine. METHODS: Study comprising women diagnosed with migraine, with or without aura, who were not pregnant, breastfeeding, or menopausal. The study was conducted via the digital platform. Data were collected relating to demographics, contraceptive method, anthropometric information, smoking habits, and migraine-related symptoms. The participants then answered the following validated, self-administered questionnaires: Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), Allodynia Symptom Checklist, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). In order to determine the variables associated with allodynia, two binary logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: Four hundred eighty-six women took part in the study. Of these, 205 used CHC, 89 used a progestin-only method, and 192 participants did not use any form of hormonal contraception. Allodynia was identified in 411 (84.6%) participants. Allodynia was linked to the presence of aura (OR = 2.76; CI 95% 1.55-4.91; p = 0.001), menstrually related migraine (OR = 2.14; CI 95% 1.28-3.57; p = 0.004), greater disability (MIDAS score 23 vs. 8; p < 0.001), depression (BDI score 14 vs. 10; p < 0.001), and anxiety (GAD-7 score 11 vs. 8; p < 0.001). In adjusted analysis, CHC was associated to protection against allodynia when jointly evaluated all CHC regimens (OR = 0.49 CI 95% 0.26-0.92; p = 0.028), as well as oral CHC individually (OR = 0.48 CI 95% 0.25-0.92; p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: CHC reduced the chances of women with migraine getting allodynia.

Growth Potential of Listeria monocytogenes in Chef-Crafted Ready-to-Eat Fresh Cheese-Filled Pasta Meal Stored in Modified Atmosphere Packaging.

This study evaluated the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in a fresh, filled-pasta meal, stored in modified atmosphere packaging and the influence of lactic acid (LA) and pH on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). Samples were taken from three lots manufactured by a local catering company and stored at both 6 and 14°C. LAB numbers, LA concentration, pH, and the presence of Lm were evaluated at 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 days of shelf life and the undissociated LA concentration ([LA]) was calculated. The LAB maximum cell density was greater in the products stored at 14°C than those stored at 6°C (10.1 ± 1.1 versus 5.6 ± 1.5 log CFU/g) and [LA] at 14 days was 9 to 21 ppm at 6°C and 509 to 1,887 ppm at 14°C. Challenge tests were made to evaluate the interference of LAB and [LA] on Lm growth. Aliquots of the samples (25 g) were inoculated at 1 to 10 days of shelf life and incubated at 9°C for 7 days, and the difference between Lm numbers at the end and at the beginning of the test (δ) was calculated. Logistic regression was used to model the probability of growth of Lm as a function of LAB and [LA]. The products inoculated at 1 day of shelf life had δ values between 4.2 and 5.6 log CFU/g, but the growth potential was progressively reduced during the shelf life. Lm growth was never observed in the products stored at 14°C. In those stored at 6°C, it grew only in the samples with LAB <5.7 log CFU/g. LAB interaction might thus inhibit the growth of Lm in temperature-abused products and limit its growth in refrigerated products. Logistic regression estimated that the probability of Lm growth was <10% if LAB was >6.6 log CFU/g or log[LA] was >2.2 ppm. The growth or inactivation kinetic of Lm was investigated with a homogenate of three samples with LAB numbers close to the maximum population density. After an initial growth, a subsequent reduction in the number of Lm was observed. This means that the maximum numbers of Lm might not be detected at the end of the product shelf life.