Understanding CGRP and Cardiovascular Risk

Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2019:255:131-140. doi: 10.1007/164_2019_204.

Abstract

Increasing knowledge about the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in migraine pathophysiology has led to the development of antibodies against this peptide or its receptor. However, CGRP is widely expressed throughout the body, participating not only in pathophysiological conditions but also in several physiological processes and homeostatic responses during pathophysiological events. Therefore, in this chapter, the risks of long-term blockade of the CGRP pathway will be discussed, with focus on the cardiovascular system, as this peptide has been described to have a protective role during ischemic events, and migraine patients present a higher risk of stroke and myocardial infarction.

Keywords: CGRP; CGRP (receptor) antibodies; Cardiovascular safety; Migraine; Myocardial infarction; Stroke.

MeSH terms

  • Calcitonin
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / genetics
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / physiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases*
  • Cardiovascular System* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Calcitonin
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide