Migraine and oxidative stress

Migraine is a chronic neurovascular disorder characterized by acute, debilitating attacks, posing a significant public health challenge. The severity and duration of pain, along with the limited effectiveness of treatments for some patients, underscore the ongoing need for research in this field. Despite extensive studies on migraine pathophysiology, many mechanisms remain unclear. A deeper understanding of these processes could pave the way for effective, personalized therapies. A strong connection exists between oxidative stress, nitro-oxidative stress, and inflammation, forming a crucial pathogenic link in migraine development. This relationship serves as a foundation for multiple anti-migraine treatment strategies. Experimental research on animals has highlighted the role of oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) in triggering migraine attacks. These studies have been instrumental in evaluating the efficacy of various medicinal compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, several nutraceuticals have demonstrated promising results as standalone or adjunct treatments in experimental migraine models, primarily due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (ref).Given that oxidative stress and NO acts both as a trigger and amplifier of migraine pain, as well as its role in endothelial dysfunction, assessing its blood levels alongside other biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation could offer valuable insights into migraine pathogenesis. This presentation explores the role of NO and oxidative stress, the interplay between reactive molecules, the contribution of these molecules to migraine-related inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Targeting oxidative and nitro-oxidative stress with novel therapeutic approaches may open new avenues for more effective and personalized migraine treatments. Moreover, since migraines are a well-recognized risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases, enhancing anti-migraine therapies could serve as a preventive strategy against such conditions.

Adriana-Elena Bulboaca

     Prof, MD, PhD

• “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
• Pathophysiology Department, Rehabilitation Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
• Professor of Pathophysiology, senior ophthalmologist, neurology specialist

Academic Membership:

• European Academy of Neurology
• International Association for the Study of Pain
• World Institute of Pain

Areas of Expertise:

Neuroophthalmology, neuropathic pain, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, neurogenic inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress

International activity:

• International activity includes involvement in many national and international clinical studies and research projects
• Scientific participations as “invited speaker” in national and international scientific events
• A significant portfolio of scientific articles (85 papers indexed on Web of Science -ISI, H-index: 18) as well as contributions in monographs and books published by prestigious international publishing houses.

Awards:

• Prof. Dr. Adriana-Elena Bulboaca has been honoured with:
• 2025 – Bucuresti, Terapii inovatoare in practica medicala curenta
• The University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” awards
• 2025 – MDPI – Certificate of Service – Guest Editor for Diagnosis Journal