Role of Dopaminergic Gene Polymorphisms (DBH 19bp Indel and DRD2 Nco I) in Genetic Susceptibility to Migraine in North Indian Population

Abstract

Objective. The dopaminergic system plays a major role in migraine. We aimed to look for association of polymorphisms in dopaminergic genes in genetic susceptibility to migraine in North Indian population. In the present study, two polymorphisms, DBH 19bp indel (rs no. 72393728) and DRD2 Nco I (rs no. 6275), were selected. Design. Using case-control design, 301 migraine patients (202 migraine without aura and 99 migraine with aura) and 202 healthy controls were recruited in the study. Genotyping was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (DBH 19bp indel) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) (DRD2 Nco I). Logistic regression analysis was used to find the contribution of these polymorphisms in migraine. Bonferroni's correction was applied for multiple comparisons. Results. In DBH 19bp indel polymorphism, a significant association was observed at allelic level (P=0.027) especially in females (P=0.016) on comparing migraine patients with healthy controls. In DRD2 Nco I polymorphism, no significant association was observed in migraine patients or any subgroups. Conclusion. Our study suggests a potentially significant role of DBH 19bp indel polymorphism in migraine susceptibility. Wiley Periodicals, Inc..