pain

headaches & migraines

LRP1

Do People With Migraines Have Difficulty Clearing Beta Amyloid? (LRP1)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on August 26th, 2020

The LRP1 protein helps clear cellular debris and protects brain cells from damage. Can it also protect you from migraines? Find out here.

What is LRP1?

The LRP1 gene encodes a cholesterol receptor called LDL related receptor protein 1 (LRP1) [R].

The LRP1 protein helps balance fats and clear out cellular waste products. It is essential for effectively disposing of beta-amyloid, a protein that builds up dangerously in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease [R].

LRP1 also appears to be important for keeping the arteries and veins healthy and strong [R].

The LRP1 gene is physically nearby to the STAT6 gene, and some of the genetic associations with one gene will carry over to the other [R].

LRP1 Variants & Migraine

Three variants of LRP1 have been associated with migraines: rs11172113, rs4559, and rs113953523 [R, R].

The ‘T’ allele of rs11172113 has been associated with increased incidence of migraines compared to the relatively protective ‘C’ allele. The link between this allele and migraines is highly significant and has been repeated in at least nine studies [R, R, R].

Another variant, rs4559, is linked to two genes: LRP1 and the nearby STAT6. The ‘T’ allele here is more common in people with migraines; however, both the ‘C’ and ‘T’ alleles are very common, and the link here may be weaker than at other variants [R].

Finally, the rare ‘A’ allele at rs113953523 has been strongly linked to migraines. Less than 1% of all people worldwide (2.2% of Europeans) have a copy of this allele [R].

LRP1 helps clear out cellular waste, including beta amyloid from the brain. At least three variants of the LRP1 gene have been associated with migraines.

Your LRP1 Results for Migraine

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs11172113
rs4559
rs113953523

SNP Summary and Table

LRP1 rs11172113

‘T’ = Not associated with migraine
‘C’ = Possibly protective against migraines

LRP1 rs4559

‘T’ = Associated with increased incidence of migraines
‘C’ = Not associated with migraine

LRP1 rs113953523

‘G’ = Not associated with migraine
‘A’ = Associated with increased incidence of migraines

Recommendations

Diet

Coffee

A combination of caffeine and rifampicin has been found to increase the expression of LRP1 in the brain. This combination may have a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease, encouraging the clearance of amyloid beta proteins; amyloid beta may also have a connection to migraine with aura [R, R].

It is unclear whether caffeine alone might also increase LRP1 expression or whether the combination with rifampicin is required. We strongly recommend against taking medications like rifampicin without a prescription from a doctor [R].

Caffeine is a part of different FDA-approved drugs for migraine and tension headaches, along with Tylenol, aspirin, sumatriptan, diclofenac, and others [R, R, R, R, R, R, R].

In 2 clinical trials on almost 350 people, caffeine (both oral and intravenous) helped prevent postoperative headaches [R, R].

Ironically, headache is one of the most common symptoms of caffeine withdrawal, which can be a limitation for its long-term use [R].

A combination including caffeine increases LRP1 expression and improves the clearance of amyloid beta in brain cells.

Astaxanthin-Rich Foods

Astaxanthin is a red pigment found in some fish, seafood, and algae. It is responsible for the red color of trout, salmon, shrimp, and crabs, among others [R].

This pigment has been found to increase the expression of LRP1 and thereby protect brain cells from inflammatory damage in a laboratory setting [R].

While astaxanthin’s effects on migraine, specifically, are unknown, it has been studied for its ability to suppress pain [R, R, R].

Astaxanthin is also a fairly strong anti-inflammatory compound and may help reduce the sensation of pain in that way [R].

Astaxanthin, a red pigment found in fish, seafood, and algae, increases the expression of LRP1 in brain cells and has been studied for its ability to suppress pain.

Supplements

Magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral found in our body. It is essential to all living cells and vital for numerous physiological functions [R, R].

Sufficient magnesium is required for beta amyloid to be cleared from the brain. Researchers believe that magnesium promotes the clearance of beta amyloid by increasing the expression of LRP1 [R].

Magnesium stores may be unusually low in patients with migraine and other pain disorders. Some doctors may recommend magnesium supplements to reduce pain by correcting this deficiency [R, R].

Otherwise, the richest dietary sources of magnesium include spinach, nuts, and legumes. Most people get enough magnesium from their food [R].

Magnesium appears to be required for LRP1 to clear beta amyloid from the brain, and magnesium deficiency is common in migraine.

Jasmine Foster

BSc, BEd

Jasmine received her BS from McGill University and her BEd from Vancouver Island University.

Jasmine loves helping people understand their brains and bodies, a passion that grew out of her dual background in biology and education. From the chem lab to the classroom, everyone has the right to learn and make informed decisions about their health.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

More pain blogs

Can This Gene Worsen GERD Pain? (GNB3) Can This Gene Make You Prone to Chronic Pain (COMT)? The Heat Receptor’s Role in Pain Perception (TRPV1) Can This Gene Influence Your Sensitivity To Pain (COMT)? A Neurological Connection Between Stress and Migraines? (MEF2D) Can This Gene Influence Your Susceptibility To Headaches And Migraines? (BDNF) Is Excess Histamine Causing Your Migraines? (DAO) Can Too Much Nitric Oxide Trigger Migraines? (NOS2, NOS3)

More headaches & migraines blogs

Are You Genetically Vulnerable to High Brain Histamine, Migraines, or ADHD? (HNMT) A Neurological Connection Between Stress and Migraines? (MEF2D) Is Excess Histamine Causing Your Migraines? (DAO) Can This Folate-Metabolizing Gene Increase Your Risk Of Headaches And Migraines? (MTHFR)

Content

What is LRP1? LRP1 Variants & Migraine Your LRP1 Results for Migraine

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