Serum inflammatory cytokines as biomarkers for predicting chronic migraine transformation: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
Background: Chronic migraine (CM), defined as ≥15 headache days per month, often evolves from episodic migraine. Inflammation is implicated in migraine pathogenesis, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines may serve as biomarkers for predicting chronification. This systematic review evaluates randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing serum cytokines in migraine patients to explore their potential predictive and therapeutic relevance.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and clinical trial registries (to October 2024) identified English-language RCTs reporting serum cytokine levels in migraine patients. Included studies measured inflammatory cytokines [e.g., interleukins, TNF-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP)] and related them to migraine frequency or transformation. Two reviewers screened studies and extracted data on cytokine outcomes and migraine progression. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool.
Results: Nine RCTs (n ≈ 445) met inclusion criteria. Pro-inflammatory cytokines evaluated included IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17A, TNF-α, and CRP, while some trials also assessed anti-inflammatory markers (IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β). Several trials involved interventions (omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, probiotics, or exercise) and reported that reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines corresponded with decreased migraine frequency. Notably, combination nutraceutical therapies (e.g., omega-3 plus nano-curcumin) led to significant declines in…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Calcium Ions in the Physiology and Pathology of the Central Nervous System
- AI-powered in silico twins: redefining precision medicine through simulation, personalization, and predictive healthcare
- In silico functional, structural and pathogenicity analysis of missense single nucleotide polymorphisms in human MCM6 gene
- In Silico drug repurposing pipeline using deep learning and structure based approaches in epilepsy
- Targeting serotonin receptors with phytochemicals – an in-silico study
- In silico exploration of anti-prostate cancer compounds from differential expressed genes
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.