Deciphering the task of N-acetyl aspartate in migraine

Abstract

Evaluation of: de Tommaso M, Ceci E, Pica C et al. Serum levels of N-acetyl-aspartate in migraine and tension-type headache. J. Headache Pain 13(5), 389–394 (2012).

Migraine is a common neurological disorder producing significant personal and societal burden. In the evaluated study, serum concentrations of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), a biomarker of neuronal integrity, was found to be decreased in patients suffering from migraine with aura. These interesting results suggest a dual clinical readout. Since migraine-with-aura patients show an increased risk for stroke; the evaluation of serum levels of NAA is crucial in the control of the conventional risk factors. In addition, the therapeutic metabolite monitoring of NAA may be helpful in the assessment of the chronicization process.

Keywords::

• cardiocerebral comorbidity
• chronicization process
• CNS neuronal dysfunction
• migraine with aura
• serum N-acetyl aspartate

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.