Evaluation of nitric oxide and uric acid in patients with headache

Backgrounds: Headache, a painful sensation in the head or neck, can be categorized as primary, tension-type, and cluster headaches. Factors influencing nitric oxide levels, such the eNOS gene mutation and uric acid, may result in endothelial dysfunction. This study intends to evaluate these parameters.

Objectives: Assess the factors that may affect the levels of nitric oxide, which is the main mediator of endothelial dysfunction.

Material and Methods: The study includes 40 individuals who suffer from headaches and 40 healthy volunteers who are matched in terms of age and gender. eNOS enzyme concentration, as well as the measurement of blood levels of nitric oxide and uric acid.

Results: The headache group exhibited a substantially decreased serum nitric oxide concentration (P < 0.05) than the control group. Additionally, the serum uric acid level in the headache group is significantly lower than that of the control group.
In the headache group, there was a substantial positive correlation between the serum level of NO and the serum uric acid concentration (r =0.307, P <0.01).

Conclusion: The study suggests a role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of migraine with the GG genotype of eNOS gene as a distinct risk factor for developing migraine.