Untangling the mess of CGRP levels as a migraine biomarker: an in-depth literature review and analysis of our experimental experience

Abstract

Background: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is the most promising candidate to become the first migraine biomarker. However, literature shows clashing results and suggests a methodological source for such discrepancies. We aimed to investigate some of these methodological factors to evaluate the actual role of CGRP as biomarker.

Methods: Previous to the experimental part, we performed a literature review of articles measuring CGRP in migraine patients. Using our 399 bio-bank sera samples, we performed a series of experiments to test the validity of different ELISA kits employed, time of sample processing, long-term storage, sampling in rest or after moderate exercise. Analysis of in-house data was performed to analyse average levels of the peptide and the effect of sex and age.

Results: Literature review shows the high variability in terms of study design, determination methods, results and conclusions obtained by studies including CGRP determinations in migraine patients. CGRP measurements depends on the method and specific kit employed, also on the isoform detected, showing completely different ranges of concentrations. Alpha-CGRP and beta-CGRP had median with IQR levels of 37.5 (28.2-54.4) and 4.6 (2.4-6.4)pg/mL, respectively. CGRP content is preserved in serum within the 24 first hours when samples are stored at 4°C after clotting and immediate centrifugation. Storages at -80°C of more than 6 months result in a decrease in CGRP levels. Moderate exercise prior to blood extraction does not modulate the concentration of the peptide. Age positively correlates with beta-CGRP content and men have higher alpha-CGRP levels than women.

Conclusions: We present valuable information for CGRP measurements in serum. ELISA kit suitability should be tested prior to the experiments. Alpha and beta-CGRP levels should be analysed separately as they can show different behaviours even within the same condition. Samples can be processed in a 24-h window if they have been kept in 4°C and should not be stored for more than 6 months at -80°C before assayed. Patients do not need to rest before the blood extraction unless they have performed a high-endurance exercise. For comparative studies, sex and age should be accounted for as these parameters can impact CGRP concentrations.

Keywords: CGRP; ELISA; Exercise; Half-life; Method; Migraine; Storage.

Fig. 1

Sample processing: evolution of individual A alpha-CGRP and B beta-CGRP values for each subject throughout the time samples remained stored at 4°C before froze at -80°C

Fig. 2

Effect of exercise: evolution of individual A alpha-CGRP and B beta-CGRP values for each subject when sampling was performed in rest of after 20 minutes of moderate exercise

Fig. 3

Effect of storage: changes of individual A alpha-CGRP and B beta-CGRP values when samples were immediately analysed or analysed when they surpassed 6 months storage. Data is shown as average ± SD. Comparisons were made using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. **p < 0.01

Fig. 4

In-house data analysis: A distribution of alpha-CGRP levels vs. age, green line represents a linear regression and red dotted line represents the CI; B distribution of beta-CGRP levels vs. age, green line represents a linear regression and red dotted line represents the CI; C distribution of beta-CGRP vs. alpha-CGRP levels, green line represents a linear regression and red dotted line represents the CI; D comparison of alpha-CGRP concentrations in subjects sorted by sex; E comparison of alpha-CGRP concentrations in subjects sorted by sex. Data is shown as average ± SD. Comparisons were made using Mann–Whitney U test, ns: non-significant; ** p < 0.01

Fig. 5

Schematic representation of a competitive ELISA protocol

Fig. 6

Schematic representation of a sandwich ELISA protocol