weight & body fat

headaches & migraines

PRDM16

A Surprising Genetic Factor for Migraines (PRDM16)

Written by Aleksa Ristic, MS (Pharmacy) on August 24th, 2020

Have scientists discovered a genetic link between oxidative stress, obesity and migraines? Read this post to learn about the role of PRDM16 variants in migraine development!

The PRDM16 Gene in Migraine Development

The PRDM16 gene encodes a protein involved in brown fat tissue metabolism, which has crucial roles in weight control. Studies have associated obesity with migraines, and some authors consider PRDM16 to be the genetic link between these conditions [R, R, R R].

Additionally, PRDM16 partakes in oxidative stress response, another critical mechanism in migraine development [R, R].

The PRDM16 gene may be involved in migraine development via its roles in weight control and oxidative stress response.

The Link Between PRDM16 Variants and Migraine

One PRDM16 variant, rs2651899, has shown a robust association with migraine, especially in European descendants. People with the “C” allele have, on average, 10% higher rates of migraines [R, R, R].

On the positive side, these people respond better to drug treatment for migraine attacks [R].

The same SNP has been associated with obesity, confirming the genetic link between migraine and obesity [R].

Another PRDM16 variant, rs12135062-T, has been associated with 11% higher migraine rates in European populations [R].

Two PRDM16 variants, rs2651899-C and rs12135062-T, have shown a robust association with migraines, especially in European populations.

Your PRDM16 Results for Migraine

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs2651899
rs12135062

SNP Summary

Primary SNPs:

PRDM16 rs2651899

‘C’ = associated with higher migraine rates
‘T’ = not associated with migraine

PRDM16 rs12135062

‘T’ = associated with higher migraine rates
‘G’ = not associated with migraine

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Exercise & Weight Control

As mentioned, PRDM16 variants may be one of the links between obesity and migraine. According to a study of nearly 22,000 subjects, migraine is significantly more common in people with total or abdominal obesity [R].

Increased physical activity is essential for weight control and may also help prevent migraines. The lack of exercise correlates with a 21% and 50% higher risk of migraines in adolescents and adults, respectively. However, intense workout can trigger attacks in some individuals, so it’s essential to keep it in moderation [R].

Exercise regularly to keep your weight in check and reduce the impact of your PRDM16 gene on migraine development.

Supplements

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is crucial for energy production and antioxidant defense [R]. Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 boosted antioxidant enzymes in multiple clinical trials [R, R, R].

The levels of coenzyme Q10 are often lower in people who experience migraines [R]. In different studies, supplementation with 100–300 mg/day reduced the duration, frequency, and severity of migraines [R, R, R, R].

Coenzyme Q10 may be particularly beneficial for people with PRDM16 variants, given this gene’s role in oxidative stress response.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation may boost antioxidant defense and help prevent migraines.

Curcumin

Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, is another compound with potent antioxidant activity [R].

A combination of curcumin and coenzyme Q10 helped prevent migraines in 100 young adults [R]. When combined with fish oil, curcumin significantly reduced the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in 74 patients [R].

Despite the promising results, stronger clinical evidence is needed to support the effectiveness of curcumin for migraine prevention.

Curcumin supplementation may lessen the impact of your PRDM16 variants on oxidative stress and migraine development.

Aleksa Ristic

MS (Pharmacy)

Aleksa received his MS in Pharmacy from the University of Belgrade, his master thesis focusing on protein sources in plant-based diets.

Aleksa is passionate about herbal pharmacy, nutrition, and functional medicine. He found a way to merge his two biggest passions—writing and health—and use them for noble purposes. His mission is to bridge the gap between science and everyday life, helping readers improve their health and feel better.

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 weight & body fat blogs

A Surprising Player in Obesity and Diabetes (PEMT) A Heat-Generating Gene Linked to Weight Gain (UCP1) Can Our Genes Make Us Fat? (FTO) How Do Your Genes Respond to Dietary Fat? (TCF7L2) Do Your Genes Favor the Mediterranean Diet? (TCF7L2) Do Your Genes Favor Dietary Fat? (FGF21) Can This Gene Help You Lose Weight on the Mediterranean Diet? (PPARG) Is Saturated Fat Hindering Your Weight Loss? (FTO) Can This Gene Boost Weight Loss on a Low-Carb Diet? (CETP)

More headaches & migraines blogs

Are You Genetically Vulnerable to High Brain Histamine, Migraines, or ADHD? (HNMT)

Content

The PRDM16 Gene in Migraine Development Your PRDM16 Results for Migraine

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