Lipid levels and selected biomarkers of vascular changes in children with idiopathic headaches – a preliminary report

INTRODUCTION: Elevated lipid concentrations were observed in adults with headaches. However, studies in children are scarce. Recent data suggest new potential risk factors for atherosclerosis, which may be associated with headaches. The aim of the study was to analyse the blood levels of lipids and new markers of atherosclerosis in children with idiopathic headaches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population comprised 65 children (39 with idiopathic headaches and 26 healthy children). Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triacylglycerol (TG) levels were measured in every patient. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), endothelial plasminogen activator inhibitor (serpin E1/PAI I) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blood level measurements were performed in 34 children. RESULTS: Children with headaches had higher BMI z-scores (0.2 vs. –1.14; p = 0.006). TC level was lower in patients with headaches (121.04 mg/dl vs. 146.87 mg/dl, p = 0.019). No differences in concentrations of TG, HDL or LDL were found. BDNF was significantly higher in the studied group (171.57 pg/ml vs. 64.04 pg/ml, p = 0.012). The VEGF was higher in boys with headaches than in girls (368.27 pg/ml vs. 142.86 pg/ml, p = 0.011). There were no differences in levels of VEGF, sCD40L or PAI-1 between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Children with headaches have lower total cholesterol and higher BDNF levels than controls. No significant difference in levels of triacylglycerols, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VEGF, sCD40L or PAI-1 was found between children with headaches and controls.