Abstract

Migraine is diagnosed in approximately 15% of the population in the developed countries. This disease affects not only patient’s well-being, but also economy and social sphere. Despite this significant impact, little is known on the genetic causes of migraine. Several migraine symptoms, including tiredness, yawning, drowsiness, and the desire to eat certain foods, give an idea of migraine connection to orexin system. This system includes orexines – peptides, predominantly synthesized in the lateral hypothalamic area and involved in wake and sleep cycle and many other neurological functions; and their two receptors HCRTR1 and HCRTR2. Here we summarize known data on orexin system polymorphisms and changes in peptide concentration in patients with migraine.

Keywords

migraine, orexin A, orexin B, migraine with aura, migraine without aura, SNP, text mining