Impaired oxidative balance and association of blood glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR index in migraine

Introduction: The nature of the relationship between glucose metabolism and occurrence of migraine has not been elucidated precisely. This study investigated the status of oxidative/antioxidative balan-ce and its relationship with the glucose metabolism in migraineurs to get new points of view for the underlying oxidative mechanisms. Materials and methods: Sixty migraineurs and 46 control subjects were included in the study. Oxidative stress index, total oxidant and antioxidant status of both groups were examined in addition to the insulin and HOMA-IR index levels. Results: HOMA-IR index was significantly enhanced in migraineurs (P = 0.038); similarly oxidative stress index and total oxidant status were higher in patients compared to the controls (P < 0.001 for both). Conclusion: This preliminary study shows that oxidative/antioxidative balance shifts towards the oxidative status in migraine. Higher total oxidant status and elevated HOMA-IR index might play a role in the potential early pathogenesis for migraine