Title:The Combined Effects of ω -3 Fatty Acids and Nano-Curcumin Supplementation on Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) Gene Expression and Serum Levels in Migraine Patients
Volume: 16
Issue: 10
Author(s): Neda Soveyd, Mina Abdolahi, Mahmoud Djalali, Mahsa Hatami, Abbas Tafakhori, Payam Sarraf and Niyaz Mohammadzadeh Honarvar*
Affiliation:
- School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition Tehran,Iran
Keywords:
Curcumin, ICAM-1, migraine, ω-3 fatty acids, serum levels, migraine patients.
Abstract: Background: Migraine is an episodic headache, which is an endothelial disorder with neurological
inflammation. Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1), as an endothelial factor, leads
to the adhesion of leukocytes to the walls of the cerebral blood vessels, which is an important step in
the inflammation process. Curcumin and omega-3 fatty acids, by affecting transcription factors, can
regulate the gene expression and serum levels of ICAM-1. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the synergistic
effects of ω-3 fatty acids and nano-curcumin on ICAM-1 gene expression and serum levels in
migraine patients.
Method: This clinical trial study was conducted on 72 episodic migraine patients in 4 groups for 2
months, with patients receiving ω-3 fatty acids, nano-curcumin, a combination of them, or a placebo
during the study. At the beginning and end of the study, the gene expression and serum level of
ICAM-1 were measured by real-time PCR and ELISA.
Result: The results showed no significant change in ICAM-1 gene expression in any of the 4 groups.
The ICAM-1 serum concentration in the combination group, and omega-3 alone, showed a significant
reduction at the end of the study compared to the beginning. In addition, a significant reduction in attack
frequency was observed in the combination group.
Conclusion: Considering the results of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids plus curcumin led to
reductions of both attack frequency and ICAM-1 serum level in patients, it seems that supplementation
with these two nutrients not only can lead to improvements in the function of metabolic pathways, but
can also be used effectively as a treatment or prevention of migraine complications.
