Plasma CGRP Levels in Migraine: A Registry for Migraine Study
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a central mechanistic role in migraine and is an established drug target. However, it remains unclear whether peripheral plasma CGRP levels meaningfully reflect disease activity. We investigated whether circulating plasma CGRP differs between individuals with migraine and healthy controls and whether concentrations vary across migraine subtypes, clinical status, and preventive treatment use.
METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study enrolled adults (≥18 years) with migraine with aura, migraine without aura, or chronic migraine primarily from specialized care. Healthy controls without personal or first-degree family history of primary headache disorders were mainly recruited through web-based advertisement. Venous blood was obtained by antecubital phlebotomy, and plasma CGRP was quantified in duplicate using a validated high-affinity radioimmunoassay. Controls were matched 1:4 to participants with migraine on age, sex, body mass index, and storage duration. The primary outcome was between-group difference in plasma CGRP concentrations. Group comparisons were performed using Mann-Whitney U tests. Regression models were performed to assess associations with clinical variables.
RESULTS: A total of 588 participants with migraine and 147 matched controls were analyzed (mean age 43.1 ± 11.9 vs 41.5 ± 11.5 years; 88.8% vs 85.7% female). The median (interquartile range) plasma CGRP concentrations were…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 588 participants or records.
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