In the United States, among the 38 million people who suffer from migraine, 28 million are women, or 75%. Migraines are more common, but also more severe, and treatments do not always work. Researchers at the University of Arizona conducted a study that reveals the role of estrogen in this inequality in the face of migraines. The researchers presented their results during the annual meeting of the Experimental Biology, in San Diego.
Scientists have looked at “little gates” in the brain, proteins called NHE1, which are responsible for circulating protons and cells. sodium ions through the cells. However, when these gates are not present in large enough quantities, or when they function poorly, it can lead to increased pain signaling and therefore migraine headaches. Like a vicious circle, these doors are also there to pass the drugs taken to relieve migraines.
4 times more NHE1 in male rats
For this study, the researchers worked with male and female rats. They found that the expression of the NHE1 protein was 4 times higher in males. On the other hand, females with the highest estrogen levels were those with the lowest levels of NHE1.
The authors therefore believe that women are more sensitive to migraines, because the hormonal fluctuations they undergo lead to changes in the expression of this protein. The brain is then more vulnerable to the activation of pain. The goal of this research is to be able, in the long term, to create more effective drugs to treat this disease and prevent the disruption of the expression of NHE1.
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