Role of Specific microRNAs in Cluster Headache: Implications for Disease Phenotype and Neuropeptide Expression

What this Trial Is About

Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache disorder with complex causes that are not fully understood. This research aims to study the role of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) and neuropeptides in people with different types of cluster headaches, including episodic CH in active and remission phases, chronic CH, and healthy controls. The study focuses on miRNAs involved in pain and inflammation and neuropeptides that may trigger CH attacks, to better understand the disease and its biological markers. Participants include healthy volunteers and patients with diagnosed episodic or chronic cluster headache. Each person will have one visit involving blood sampling after fasting, clinical and demographic data collection, and completing questionnaires about headache impact. Blood samples will be analyzed to measure gene expression levels of miR-382-5p, miR-34a-5p, and miR-155 in blood cells, and plasma levels of neuropeptides CGRP, PACAP, and VIP. The study groups are defined by their CH status and phase. During the single study visit, participants will be evaluated after an overnight fast and blood samples collected during a pain-free period. They will complete questionnaires including MIDAS, HIT-6, and CHIQ to assess headache impact and disability. Researchers will monitor participants for at least two hours following blood sampling to ensure no immediate CH attack occurs. The main outcome measured is the gene expression of miR-382-5p, with secondary outcomes including other miRNAs, neuropeptide levels, and questionnaire scores. The total study duration for each participant is one visit.

Role of Specific microRNAs in Cluster Headache