Correlation between Gut Microbiota Composition and Frequency of Recurrent Migraines in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Recurrent migraines in pediatric populations constitute a significant neurological burden, affecting quality of life, academic performance, and social development. Despite extensive research, the precise pathophysiological mechanisms underlying pediatric migraine remain incompletely understood. Recent advances suggest that the gut microbiota may play a crucial modulatory role in the gut-brain axis, influencing neuroinflammatory pathways, neurotransmitter metabolism, and immune system activity, all of which are implicated in migraine pathogenesis. This study investigates the correlation between gut microbiota composition and the frequency of recurrent migraines in children, aiming to identify potential microbial biomarkers predictive of migraine susceptibility and severity. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving pediatric patients diagnosed with recurrent migraines, alongside age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Fecal samples were collected and subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing to profile microbial communities. Diversity indices, principal coordinate analysis, and relative abundance assessments were applied to elucidate differences in microbiota composition. Additionally, targeted metabolomic profiling of tryptophan-derived metabolites and short-chain fatty acids was performed to explore mechanistic links between microbial metabolites and migraine frequency. Statistical correlation analyses were conducted to examine associations between microbial taxa, metabolic profiles, and clinical parameters, including migraine attack frequency, duration, and intensity. Findings revealed significant alterations in gut microbiota composition among pediatric migraine patients, characterized by reduced microbial diversity and shifts in key bacterial genera involved in neurotransmitter metabolism and immune modulation. Specific microbial signatures correlated positively with migraine frequency, suggesting potential predictive value. Metabolomic analyses indicated that fluctuations in tryptophan metabolites and short-chain fatty acids may mediate gut-brain interactions contributing to migraine susceptibility. These results support a mechanistic link between the gut microbiota and pediatric migraine pathophysiology, highlighting the potential for microbiome-based diagnostic markers and therapeutic interventions, such as dietary modulation or probiotic supplementation. In conclusion, the study provides evidence that alterations in gut microbiota composition are closely associated with the frequency of recurrent migraines in children. Understanding the microbiota-migraine relationship could pave the way for novel strategies to prevent and manage pediatric migraine, emphasizing the role of the gut-brain axis in neurodevelopmental health.