Primary Headaches: Reduced Circulating β-Lipotropin and β-Endorphin Levels with Impaired Reactivity to Acupuncture

Cephalalgia ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 195-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Facchinetti ◽  
G. Nappi ◽  
F. Savoldi ◽  
A. R. Genazzani
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Chronic Headache ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Primary Headaches ◽  
Chinese Acupuncture ◽  
Daily Chronic Headache

Eleven patients affected by common migraine (CM), eleven affected by daily chronic headache (DCH), and eight healthy volunteers were studied. Plasma levels of β-endorphin (βEP), β-lipotropin (βLPH), ACTH and cortisol were measured in basal conditions and after traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA). Basal βLPH and βEP plasma levels (pg/ml) in the DCH patients (57.6 ± 9.5 and 16.8 ± 2.5, respectively; M ± SE) were lower than those found in the controls (83.6 ± 13.7 and 26.0 ± 6.1; p < 0.001), while those found in the CM cases showed intermediate values (75.3 ± 12.0 and 24.4 ± 5.8). ACTH and cortisol concentrations in both the CM and DCH patients were in the same range as those of the control group. TCA caused an increase in βLPH and βEP plasma concentrations in the control group (βLPH: 117 ± 16.9; βEF: 44.6 ± 6.7). Opioid plasma levels, however, remained unmodified after TCA in both the CM and DCH groups. ACTH plasma levels remained stable after TCA in all three subject groups. Patients suffering from primary headache are characterized by low βLPH and βEP plasma levels and by a poor reactivity of circulating opioids to non-stressful stimuli.

Psychopathology in children and adolescents with primary headaches: Categorical and dimensional approaches

Cephalalgia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (16) ◽  
pp. 1311-1318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Margari ◽  
Elisabetta Lucarelli ◽  
Francesco Craig ◽  
Maria G Petruzzelli ◽  
Paola A Lecce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Child Psychopathology ◽  
Psychiatric Comorbidity ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Tension Type Headache ◽  
Emotional And Behavioral Problems ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Primary Headaches ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Type Headache

Background Recurrent headache is common in childhood, but there is not a great amount of data on the associations between headaches and psychopathology in children. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between primary headaches and psychopathology in children, using both the categorical and dimensional assessment. Methods The sample consisted of 70 patients with primary headache compared to a matched sample of 50 healthy children. Psychiatric comorbidity was defined according to the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders. Child psychopathology outcomes were assessed using child- and parent-reported standardized instruments. Results Internalizing and externalizing problems were significantly represented among children with headaches compared to the control group, respectively 63% and 27%, without significant differences between migraine and tension-type headache children. Moreover, a total of 26% of the children with a headache reported psychiatric comorbidity such as anxiety and mood disorders. Conclusion The dimensional approach improves accuracy in the recognition of emotional and behavioral problems compared to the categorical approach; however, the use of both of these approaches could be useful for clinical practice, treatment and research.

Whiplash Headache is Transitory Worsening of a Pre-Existing Primary Headache

Cephalalgia ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 28-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
LJ Stovner ◽  
D Obelieniene
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Primary Headaches ◽  
Headache Diagnosis ◽  
Police Records ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Long Term Prognosis ◽  
Chronic Whiplash

Acute and chronic whiplash headache are new diagnostic entities in the ICHD-2 (5.3, 5.4). In a prospective cohort study, 210 rear-end collision victims were identified consecutively from police records and asked about head and neck pain in questionnaires after 2 weeks, 3 months and 1 year. The results were compared with those of matched controls who were also followed for 1 year. Of 210 accident victims, 75 developed headache within 7 days. Of these, 37 had also neck pain and complied with the criteria for acute whiplash headache. These 37 had the same headache diagnoses, headache features, accompanying symptoms and long-term prognosis as the 38 without initial neck pain who therefore did not comply with the acute whiplash headache diagnosis. Previous headache was a major risk factor for headache both in the acute and chronic stage. Compared with the non-traumatized controls, headache in the whiplash group had the same prevalence, the same diagnoses and characteristic features, and the same prognosis. Both acute and chronic whiplash headache lack specificity compared with the headache in a control group, and have the same long-term prognosis, indicating that such headaches are primary headaches, probably elicited by the stress of the situation.

scholarly journals Plasma Concentrations of Matrilysins MMP-7 and MMP-26 as Diagnostic Biomarkers in Breast Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1436
Author(s):  
Barbara Maria Piskór ◽  
Andrzej Przylipiak ◽  
Emilia Dąbrowska ◽  
Iwona Sidorkiewicz ◽  
Marek Niczyporuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Proteolytic Enzymes ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Diagnostic Utility ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Advanced Stages ◽  
Disease Study

Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of proteolytic enzymes involved in the maintenance of a proper structure of extracellular matrix (ECM). Matrilysins (MMP-7 and MMP-26) are members of the MMPs group that show promise as potential breast cancer (BC) markers. The aim of the study was to evaluate plasma levels of MMP-7, MMP-26 and CA 15-3 individually and in combination and assess the diagnostic utility of studied matrilysins in patients with BC. The study group consisted of 120 patients with BC, and the control group consisted of 40 subjects with benign breast cancer and 40 healthy women. Concentrations of MMP-7 and MMP-26 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and CA 15-3 by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Plasma levels of MMP-7 were significantly higher in the BC group than in the control group. Concentrations of MMP-26 and CA 15-3 were highest in stages II and IV of the disease. The highest diagnostic sensitivity was observed in stages III and IV BC for the combination of all tested markers (92.5%). The highest diagnostic specificity was noted for all tested parameters combined in the BC group (95.0%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for the combination of markers (MMP-7+MMP-26+CA 15-3) was the largest (0.9138) in stages III and IV. Individual marker analysis showed that MMP-7 had the highest AUC (0.8894) in advanced stages of the disease. Study results indicate that MMP-7 could be used as an additional marker that would improve the diagnostic utility of CA 15-3 in early stages of BC. Therefore, the combined assessment of MMP-7 and MMP-26 with CA 15-3 might be useful in determining disease progression. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether matrilysins show promise as potential markers for improving the diagnosis of BC.

Imatinib Plasma Levels and Its Correlation with Response in Chronic-Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Experience of One Centre.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4284-4284
Author(s):  
J. Valentin Garcia. Gutierrez ◽  
Jesús Odriozola ◽  
Pilar Herrera ◽  
Javier Lopez ◽  
Maria Calbacho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Optimisation ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract Abstract 4284 Introduction Imatinib (IM), 400 mg/d. induces durable responses in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP). However, although IM-biodisponibility is fairly good, its plasma levels are variable and can not be predicted. Recently, these plasma concentrations have been related both to the dose being administrated and to the cytogenetic and molecular responses. Thus, Imatinib pharmacokinetics could be an issue towards treatment optimisation in CML patients. Recent studies suggest that therapeutic IM plasma levels should be above 1040 ng/dl. Aims To evaluate the association between IM dose and throughout plasma levels with different clinical outcomes. Results In this study, we looked for an association between plasma concentrations and clinical outcomes in 16/86 CML chronic phase patients who did not achieve optimal responses following the European Leukemia Net guidelines (ELN) (table 1). Patients with optimal responses and treated with the same standard doses were also analysed as a control group. Patients receiving doses above 400 mg showed throughout plasma levels considered as appropriate. In 7 of 16 patients (47.5%) not achieving optimal responses (ELN criteria), plasma levels were below the supposed therapeutic ranges. We have found no evidence for a correlation between clinical risk factors at diagnosis and the measurement of optimal plasma levels. Conclusions IM plasma levels are well correlated with IM dose administrated in the patients studied. In almost 50% of patients who did not achieve optimal responses, IM plasma levels were under the ranges considered therapeutic. Probably these are the patients who may benefit of a dose increase. Obviously, to learn more about the practical value of these measurements a longer follow up with a larger number of patients is needed. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Dietary Intake and Plasma Levels of Choline and Betaine in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna C. Hamlin ◽  
Margaret Pauly ◽  
Stepan Melnyk ◽  
Oleksandra Pavliv ◽  
William Starrett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lower Plasma ◽  
One Carbon Metabolism ◽  
Positive Correlations

Abnormalities in folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism have been reported in many children with autism. Because inadequate choline and betaine can negatively affect folate metabolism and in turn downstream methylation and antioxidant capacity, we sought to determine whether dietary intake of choline and betaine in children with autism was adequate to meet nutritional needs based on national recommendations. Three-day food records were analyzed for 288 children with autism (ASDs) who participated in the national Autism Intervention Research Network for Physical Health (AIR-P) Study on Diet and Nutrition in children with autism. Plasma concentrations of choline and betaine were measured in a subgroup of 35 children with ASDs and 32 age-matched control children. The results indicated that 60–93% of children with ASDs were consuming less than the recommended Adequate Intake (AI) for choline. Strong positive correlations were found between dietary intake and plasma concentrations of choline and betaine in autistic children as well as lower plasma concentrations compared to the control group. We conclude that choline and betaine intake is inadequate in a significant subgroup of children with ASDs and is reflected in lower plasma levels. Inadequate intake of choline and betaine may contribute to the metabolic abnormalities observed in many children with autism and warrants attention in nutritional counseling.

Peripheral Levels of BDNF and NGF in Primary Headaches

Cephalalgia ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 136-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Blandini ◽  
L Rinaldi ◽  
C Tassorelli ◽  
G Sances ◽  
M Motta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Growth Factor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Cluster Headache ◽  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Selective Reduction ◽  
Primary Headaches ◽  
Different Types ◽  
First Time

Neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), have been implicated in the generation and modulation of pain. To investigate whether alterations in neurotrophin levels can be detected in subjects suffering from nociceptive disorders, such as primary headaches, we determined the peripheral (platelet and plasma) levels of BDNF and NGF in patients suffering from migraine, with or without aura, or cluster headache (CH), in the interictal phase, and in healthy volunteers. All primary headaches patients studied showed significantly decreased platelet levels of BDNF (migraine vs. controls P < 0.001; CH vs. controls P < 0.01), while a selective reduction of platelet NGF was observed in migraine sufferers and not in CH patients compared with control subjects (migraine vs. controls P < 0.001). These changes were not accompanied by significant modifications of neurotrophin plasma levels. Our findings show for the first time that changes in peripheral levels of neurotrophines (BDNF and NGF) occur in patients suffering from different types of primary headaches, suggesting a potential involvement of BDNF and NGF in the pathophysiology of these disorders, and raising the possibility that differences in peripheral neurotrophins may help to distinguish migraine biologically from CH.

Incidence and predictors of chronic headache attributed to whiplash injury

Cephalalgia ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 528-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Obermann ◽  
K Nebel ◽  
A Riegel ◽  
D Thiemann ◽  
M-S Yoon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Factors ◽  
Chronic Headache ◽  
Whiplash Injury ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Neck Disability Index ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Headache Disorders ◽  
Primary Headache Disorders ◽  
Neck Disability

We identified clinical, demographic and psychological predictive factors that may contribute to the development of chronic headache associated with mild to moderate whiplash injury [Quebec Task Force (QTF) ≤ II] and determined the incidence of this chronic pain state. Patients were recruited prospectively from six participating accident and emergency departments. While 4.6% of patients developed chronic headache attributed to whiplash injury according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn criteria, 15.2% of patients complained about headache lasting > 42 days (QTF criteria). Predictive factors were pre-existing facial pain [odds ratio (OR) 9.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1, 10.4; P = 0.017], lack of confidence to recover completely (OR 5.5, 95% CI 2.0, 13.2; P = 0.005), sore throat (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.5, 8.9; P = 0.013), medication overuse (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.4, 12.3; P = 0.009), high Neck Disability Index (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.3, 12.6; P = 0.019), hopelessness/anxiety (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.3, 8.7; P = 0.024), and depression (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.2, 9.4; P = 0.024). The lack of a control group limits the conclusions that can be drawn from this study. Identified predictors closely resemble those found in chronic primary headache disorders.

scholarly journals Blood bioactive sphingolipids in patients with advanced serous epithelial ovarian cancer – mass spectrometry analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-61
Author(s):  
Paweł Knapp ◽  
Lubomir Bodnar ◽  
Agnieszka Błachnio-Zabielska ◽  
Joanna Reszeć ◽  
Magdalena Świderska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Advanced Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Serous Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Figo Staging ◽  
Sphingosine 1 Phosphate ◽  
Bioactive Sphingolipids

IntroductionDue to the lack of highly specific and sensitive methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer at advanced stages (according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification stage III–IV), new noninvasive biomarkers are urgently needed. This study aims to investigate how the levels of plasma bioactive sphingolipids (ceramides, sphingosine-1-phosphate, sphingosine and sphinganine) are altered in serum, erythrocytes and platelets of patients with advanced serous ovarian cancer.Material and methodsA total of 135 patients with advanced serous ovarian cancer and 159 women with normal ovarian morphology were enrolled. Plasma levels of sphingosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate, sphinganine, ceramide C14:0-Cer, C16:0-Cer, C18:1-Cer, C18:0-Cer, C20:0-Cer, C22:0-Cer, C24:1-Cer and C24:0-Cer were assessed by LC/MS/MS.ResultsPlasma concentrations of C16-Cer, C18:1-Cer and C18-Cer were significantly higher in the advanced ovarian cancer group than in the control group (1.5-fold, p = 0.021; 1.8-fold, p = 0.036 and 1.5-fold, p = 0.031, respectively). Plasma concentration of C18:1-Cer was significantly higher in erythrocytes of women with advanced serous cancer compared to the control group (p = 0.027). Plasma C16-Cer and C18:1-Cer levels and erythrocyte C18:1-Cer levels were able to distinguish patients with moderate/severe serous ovarian cancer from patients with mild ovarian cancer (AUC: 0.86, 0.898, 0.795, respectively). Plasma concentrations of C16, C18.1 and C18 significantly correlated with FIGO staging (p = 0.001, p = 0.024 and p = 0.005), and grading (p = 0.021, p = 0.021 and p = 0.033).ConclusionsPlasma concentrations of C16, C18.1 and C18 correlated with the progression of ovarian cancer (FIGO staging and grading). Plasma levels of C16-Cer and C18:1-Cer and erythrocyte C18:1-Cer levels could be used to distinguish patients with advanced serous ovarian cancer.

Enzyme-inducing Anticonvulsants Increase Plasma Clearance of Dexmedetomidine

2014 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. 1118-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alana M. Flexman ◽  
Harvey Wong ◽  
K. Wayne Riggs ◽  
Tina Shih ◽  
Paul A. Garcia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Plasma Clearance ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Compartment Model ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sedation Scale ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Seizure Disorders ◽  
Pharmacodynamic Profile

Abstract Background: Dexmedetomidine is useful during mapping of epileptic foci as it facilitates electrocorticography unlike most other anesthetic agents. Patients with seizure disorders taking enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants appear to be resistant to its sedative effects. The objective of the study was to compare the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of dexmedetomidine in healthy volunteers with volunteers with seizure disorders receiving enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant medications. Methods: Dexmedetomidine was administered using a step-wise, computer-controlled infusion to healthy volunteers (n = 8) and volunteers with seizure disorders (n = 8) taking phenytoin or carbamazapine. Sedation and dexmedetomidine plasma levels were assessed at baseline, during the infusion steps, and after discontinuation of the infusion. Sedation was assessed by using the Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale, Ramsay Sedation Scale, and Visual Analog Scale and processed electroencephalography (entropy) monitoring. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on both groups, and differences between groups were determined using the standard two-stage approach. Results: A two-compartment model was fit to dexmedetomidine concentration–time data. Dexmedetomidine plasma clearance was 43% higher in the seizure group compared with the control group (42.7 vs. 29.9 l/h; P = 0.007). In contrast, distributional clearance and the volume of distribution of the central and peripheral compartments were similar between the groups. No difference in sedation was detected between the two groups during a controlled range of target plasma concentrations. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that subjects with seizure disorders taking enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant medications have an increased plasma clearance of dexmedetomidine as compared with healthy control subjects.

Part II: Biochemical changes after pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 infusion in migraine patients

Cephalalgia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 136-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song Guo ◽  
Anne Luise Haulund Vollesen ◽  
Young Bae Lee Hansen ◽  
Erik Frandsen ◽  
Malene Rohr Andersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adenylate Cyclase ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Intravenous Infusion ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Pituitary Hormones ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gene Variant ◽  
Biochemical Variables ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase

Background Intravenous infusion of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP38) provokes migraine attacks in 65–70% of migraine without aura (MO) patients. We investigated whether PACAP38 infusion causes changes in the endogenous production of PACAP38, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B), neuron-specific enolase and pituitary hormones in migraine patients. Methods We allocated 32 previously genotyped MO patients to receive intravenous infusion PACAP38 (10 pmol/kg/minute) for 20 minutes and recorded migraine-like attacks. Sixteen of the patients were carriers of the risk allele rs2274316 ( MEF2D), which confers increased risk of MO and may regulate PACAP38 expression, and 16 were non-carriers. We collected blood samples at baseline and 20, 30, 40, 60 and 90 minutes after the start of the infusion. A control group of six healthy volunteers received intravenous saline. Results PACAP38 infusion caused significant changes in plasma concentrations of VIP ( p = 0.026), prolactin ( p = 0.011), S100B ( p < 0.001) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH; p = 0.015), but not CGRP ( p = 0.642) and TNFα ( p = 0.535). We found no difference in measured biochemical variables after PACAP38 infusion in patients who later developed migraine-like attacks compared to those who did not ( p > 0.05). There was no difference in the changes of biochemical variables between patients with and without the MEF2D-associated gene variant ( p > 0.05). Conclusion PACAP38 infusion elevated the plasma levels of VIP, prolactin, S100B and TSH, but not CGRP and TNFα. Development of delayed migraine-like attacks or the presence of the MEF2D gene variant was not associated with pre-ictal changes in plasma levels of neuropeptides, TNFα and pituitary hormones.

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