BACKGROUNDCortical spreading depression can cause migraine attack, and up-regulate matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in animal. This study aimed to determine the impact on the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier by measuring plasma MMP-9 levels in patients at the acute and late stages of migraine attacks in order to elucidate the pathological mechanisms involved.

METHODSWe recruited a case-control cohort of 38 adult migraine patients and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects. Five milliliter blood samples were collected at the acute and late stages of migraine (days 1 - 7), and also from the control subjects. Solid phase double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine plasma MMP-9 levels. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS version 9.1.

RESULTSInitial plasma MMP-9 levels of migraine patients were significantly higher than those of controls ((12.612 ± 0.016) µg/L vs. (6.069 ± 0.023) µg/L, respectively, P < 0.05). High MMP-9 expression was observed during days 1 - 6 of migraine attacks, with highest expression occurring on day 3 ((17.524 ± 0.035) µg/L). During attacks, MMP-9 levels were similar in migraine patients with and without aura (P > 0.05); in addition, levels were not correlated with degree of headache pain (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSWe hypothesize that migraine could lead to increased plasma MMP-9 levels resulting in blood-brain barrier damage. MMP-9 levels increase during days 1 - 6 of migraine attacks, peaking on day 3. Therefore, MMP-9 could be used as a biological marker to guide treatment of migraine attacks.