5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene and migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Data on the association between the SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and migraine are conflicting. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis among studies published up to September 2009. For each study with genotype information, we calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) assuming additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models. We then calculated pooled ORs and 95% CIs.


RESULTS
Among the ten studies identified there was no overall association between the polymorphism and any migraine for Europeans or Asians. However, European women carrying the S allele had an increased risk for any migraine (dominant model: pooled OR=2.02; 95% CI 1.24-3.28). Results among Europeans further suggested an increased risk for migraine with aura among carriers of the S/S genotype (recessive model: pooled OR=1.41; 95% CI 0.83-2.40).


CONCLUSIONS
While our results indicate no overall association between the SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and migraine among Europeans and Asians, gender and migraine aura status may have modifying roles among Europeans.
Schürks
Markus
M
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215-1204, USA. mschuerks@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
Rist
Pamela M
PM
Kurth
Tobias
T
D044466:Asian People / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000235:genetics*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D044465:White People / Q000235:genetics
C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins