Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and Migraine: A Systematic Review of Human Studies

Protein Pept Lett. 2020;27(6):512-519. doi: 10.2174/0929866527666200129160136.

Abstract

Migraine is a common neurologic condition marked by recurrent episodes of headache. Its pathophysiology is highly complex involving neuronal, inflammatory and vascular mechanisms. The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) can modulate all these mechanism, being a potential pharmacological target for migraine treatment. We carried out a systematic review of the studies evaluating the involvement of RAS in patients with migraine. There is evidence from genetic studies exploring the relation between migraine and RAS-related genes and from clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of Angiotensin II Type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonists and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in migraine prophylaxis. RAS seems to play a role in the pathophysiology of migraine, but more direct evidence is still missing.

Keywords: Renin; aldosterone; angiotensin; genetics; headache; migraine..

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / pharmacology
  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / therapeutic use*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Migraine Disorders / genetics
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors