Article Type
Article
Abstract
Migraine is a common neurological illness marked by recurring headache episodes, followed by other neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. While the precise pathophysiology of migraine is not fully elucidated, increasing evidence indicates that disruptions in histamine metabolism may significantly contribute to the onset of migraines. Diamine oxidase (DAO) is a crucial enzyme that facilitates the extracellular breakdown of histamine, especially inside the gastrointestinal system. Decreased DAO activity can result in histamine buildup, potentially provoking migraine attacks via the stimulation of the trigeminovascular system and the facilitation of neurogenic inflammation. Recent investigations reveal that a significant percentage of migraine patients demonstrate reduced serum DAO activity, implying a possible association between DAO deficiency and migraine vulnerability. Clinical trials have shown that therapies like low-histamine diets and DAO supplementation may decrease the frequency or period of migraine attacks in affected patients. This review seeks to summarize existing knowledge concerning the importance and function of DAO, the pathways connecting DAO deficiency to migraine pathophysiology, and the clinical evidence that supports the involvement of compromised histamine metabolism in migraine. Moreover, prospective therapeutic approaches and avenues for future study are examined.
Keywords
AOC1 gene, Diamine oxidase, Histamine metabolism, Migraine
Recommended Citation
Jassim, Norhan Bassim and Jassim, Abdulkadir M. N.
(2026)
"Histamine–DAO Axis in Migraine: Pathophysiology, Genetic Insights, Clinical Evidence, and Therapeutic Implications,"
Muthanna Medical Journal: Vol. 13:
Iss.
3, Article 3.
Available at:
https://muthmj.mu.edu.iq/journal/vol13/iss3/3
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
