Circulating endothelial microparticles in female migraineurs with aura.
OBJECTIVE
Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are vesicles that are released from activated endothelial cells and serve as a surrogate for endothelial dysfunction (ED). ED may be involved in migraine pathophysiology and contribute to the increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in female migraineurs with aura (MA). We sought to determine whether EMPs are elevated in women with MA.


METHODS
In this case-control study, EMPs were detected by analysing surface markers using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Surface markers were measured covering the main cell lines relevant in cardiovascular disease like endothelial cells, platelets, monocytes and leucocytes. Microparticles (MPs) were identified in correlation to calibration by 1 -µm calibrator beads (Beckman Coulter). Arterial stiffness was assessed using fingertip tonometry and the heart rate-adjusted augmentation index (AI).


RESULTS
We included 29 patients with MA and 29 matched controls. MA patients had significantly higher EMPs (CD62E(+)AnnexinV(+): 5142/µl vs 1535/µl; p < 0.001; CD144(+)AnnexinV(+): 6683/µl vs 3107/µl; p < 0.001), monocytic (CD14(+)AnnexinV(+) 6378 vs 3161; p < 0.001), and platelet MPs (CD62P(+)CD42b(+)AnnexinV(+) 5450 vs 3204; p < 0.001). Activated EMPs (CD62E(+)AnnexinV(+)) correlated with heart-rate adjusted AI (r = 0.46; p < 001).


CONCLUSIONS
EMP levels are significantly elevated in women with MA and correlated with increased AI. Our findings suggest that endothelial activation is present in women with MA. This might contribute to higher stroke risk in MA.
Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany thomas.liman@charite.de.
Thomas G
TG
Liman
Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Germany.
Katrin
K
Bachelier-Walenta
Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Lars
L
Neeb
Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Jana
J
Rosinski
Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Uwe
U
Reuter
Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Germany.
Michael
M
Böhm
Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany Excellence Cluster NeuroCure, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Germany German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Germany.
Matthias
M
Endres
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D055252:Cell-Derived Microparticles / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D020325:Migraine with Aura / Q000097:blood*
Endothelial microparticle; endothelial dysfunction; migraine; stroke risk