A Synonymous Variant, GABRG2 rs211037 might be a Predictive Genetic Marker of Migraine: A Case Control Study from Pakistan

Background: Migraine is a severe neurovascular disease with some temporary symptoms like unilateral headache attacks associated with sensory and autonomic disturbances. It affects 12% of the general population worldwide. Females are more susceptible to migraine than males. The genetic and environmental factors contribute as a causative agent to its symptomatology. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter plays a potential role in migraine pathophysiology that prompted us to evaluate the association between gamma-aminobutyric acid type a receptor gamma two subunit gene (GABRG2) polymorphisms and the risk of a migraine attack. Methods The present case-control study included 220 subjects (100 control; 120 patients). Blood samples were taken from all the participants and DNA was isolated. The selected SNPs (rs211037, rs121909672, and T813C) of exons 5, 7, and 8 of the GABRG2 gene were genotyped for cases and controls. Results: A silent polymorphism was found at the rs211037 polymorphic site, while no variation was found on other targeted sites either in the case or control population.  Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in genotypic (p=<0.05) and allelic frequencies (p = <0.001; OR 2.039; 95% CI 1.346-3.089) and for dominant model (p = <0.001; OR 2.836; 95% CI 1.618-4.970). Conclusion: The result of our study showed that rs211037 polymorphism of the GABRG2 gene was significantly associated with migraines in the Pakistani population.