Background: Data on the association between sex hormone receptor polymorphisms and migraine are conflicting.
Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic searching for studies published until August 2009. For each study, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) assuming additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models. We then calculated pooled ORs and 95% CIs.
Results and conclusion: Among the seven genes targeted, four variants were investigated in multiple studies. Effect estimates from an additive model suggest that the ESR-1 594 G>A (pooled OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.02-1.83) and ESR-1 325 C>G (pooled OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.03-1.32) variants are associated with any migraine. This pattern does not differ between migraine with and without aura. In contrast, the ESR-1 Pvu II C>T and PGR PROGINS insert polymorphism do not appear to be associated with migraine. Results were driven by studies among Caucasians and may differ in other ethnic groups.