Impact of 5-HTTLPR of SLC6A4 on migraine susceptibility: A meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

Background

Migraine disorder is a complicated condition for which a large number of genetic variants determine susceptibility. The 5-HTTLPR of the SLC6A4 gene is one of these genetic variations, and it is hypothesized that it plays a role in defining the susceptibility to the disease.

Aim

Therefore, through the utilization of the meta-analysis methodology, the current investigation aimed to determine whether or not there is an association between the 5-HTTLPR and the likelihood of developing migraines.

Method

The present study utilizes the PRISMA guideline to review existing literature from the electronic database to perform pooled analysis, and also includes quality assessment, association analysis, publication bias, and heterogeneity analysis using the NOS tool, OR with 95 % CI, tests of Begg's with Egger's test, and χ2 based on Cochran's Q Test with I² tests respectively.

Result

Using a systematic literature review, we found 14 studies representing 2972 participants, with 1276 cases diagnosed with migraine and 1696 serving as controls. It was observed that after utilizing multiple genetic models only allele (1.14 [1.01–1.29], p-value = 0.025) and recessive model (1.24 [1.01–152], p-value = 0.03), in contrast to other genetic models were found to be significantly associated with overall migraine but not with MA and MWA.

Discussion & conclusion

In conclusion, according to the allele and recessive model, the current investigation revealed a statistically significant relationship between 5-HTTLPR and the likelihood of developing migraines.