Serum elastase activity is elevated in migraine

Migraine has been associated with diseases considered to be related to extr acellular matrix disorders-in particular, cervical artery dissection. In th is population-based study, we found a highly significant association betwee n migraine and the activity of serum elastase, a metalloendopeptidase degra ding specific elastin-type amino acid sequences. Such enzymes are involved in matrix degradation. This association was seen in both sexes and was stro nger for migraine with aura. These findings could help in che understanding of why patients with migraine are at higher risk of stroke. Further study is needed to establish whether extracellular matrix abnormalities play a br oader role in the pathophysiology of migraine.