The Impact of Triptan and Doxycycline on Neuroinflammatory Biomarkers in Acute Migraine

Increased inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been recently
implicated in migraine. Inflammation may be a key player in the pathophysiology of migraine
by altering blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. As an inflammation induced MMP, MMP-9 is
involved in both BBB disruption and neuropathic pain, and is largely derived by neutrophil
degranulation during neutrophil-BBB interaction. The tetracycline group of antibiotics may
suppress MMP production and neutrophil degranulation. This study aims to investigate known
neuroinflammatory biomarkers with a focus on BBB breakdown during acute migraine attacks and
assess marker responses to conventional treatment (triptans) and novel MMP targeted therapy
(doxycycline). This pilot project data will supplement future projects investigating novel
therapeutic strategies such as MMP inhibitors in both migraine acute treatment and
prevention.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Clinical diagnosis of migraine with or without aura that fulfill the 2nd Edition of
The International Headache Classification (ICHD-II) criteria

- Active prescription for an oral triptan medication to abort acute migraines

Exclusion Criteria:

- Tetracycline group or other anti-inflammatory medication use in the preceding three
months

- Pregnant