A Novel Combination of ω-3 Fatty Acids and Nano-Curcumin Modulates Interleukin-6 Gene Expression and High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein Serum Levels in Patients with Migraine: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Background: Migraine is a disabling neuroinflammatory condition characterized by increasing the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, a proinflammatory cytokine and C-reactive protein (CRP) which considered as a vascular inflammatory mediator, disrupting the integrity of blood-brain barrier and contributing to neurogenic inflammation, and disease progression. Curcumin and ω-3 fatty acids can exert neuroprotective effects through modulation of IL-6 gene expression and CRP levels. The aim of present study is the evaluation of combined effects of ω-3 fatty acids and nano-curcumin supplementation on IL-6 gene expression and serum level and hs-CRP levels in migraine patients. Methods: Eighty episodic migraine patients enrolled in the trial and were divided into four groups as 1) combination of ω-3 fatty acids (2500 mg) plus nano-curcumin (80 mg), 2) ω-3 (2500 mg), 3) nanocurcumin (80 mg), and 4) the control (ω-3 and nano-curcumin placebo included oral paraffin oil) over a two-month period. At the beginning and the end of the study, the expression of IL-6 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and IL-6 and hs-CRP serum levels were measured, using a real-time PCR and ELISA methods, respectively. Results: The results showed that both of ω-3 and nano-curcumin down-regulated IL-6 mRAN and significantly decreased the serum concentration. hs-CRP serum levels significantly decrease in combination and nano-curcumin within groups (P<0.05). An additive greater reduction of IL-6 and hs-CRP was observed in the combination group suggested a possible synergetic relation. Conclusion: It seems that ω-3 fatty acids and curcumin supplementation can be considered a new promising target in migraine prevention.