The combined effects of ω-3 fatty acids and Nano-curcumin supplementation on Vascular Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) gene expression and serum level in migraine patients

BACKGROUND: Migraine is an episodic headache that endothelial disorder and neuro inflammation basic.Vascular Adhesion Molecule-1(VCAM-1) as an endothelial factor lead to adhesion of leukocytes to the walls ofcerebral blood vessels which it s an important step in the inflammation process. Curcumin and omega-3 fattyacids by affecting on transcription factors can regulate the gene expression and serum level of VCAM-1. Thuswe aimed to evaluate synergistic effects of ω-3 fatty acids and Nano-curcumin on VCAM-1 gene expression andserum levels in migraine patients.METHOD: this clinical trial study was conducted on 72 episodic migraine patients in 4 groups for 2 month andpatients received ω-3 fatty acids, Nano-curcumin, and combination of them or placebo during study. At thebeginning and end of the study, the gene expression and serum level of VCAM-1 was measured by real-timePCR and ELISA method.RESULT: Our results showed No significant change in VCAM-1 gene expression in none of 4 groups. TheVCAM-1 serum concentration in combination group and omega-3 alone show a significant reduction at the endof the study compared to the beginning. In addition, significant reduction in attack frequency was observed in thecombination group.CONCLUSION: considering to our result supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids plus curcumin lead toreduction of both attack frequency and VCAM-1 serum level in patients. It seems that supplementation withthese two nutrients, not only lead to improve the function of metabolic pathways, but also can be used effectivelyas a treatment or prevention of migraine complications.

Keywords:

ω -3 fatty acids , Curcumn , VCAM-1 , Migraine