Evaluation of Vitamin D Receptor rs1544410 Gene Polymorphism in Children and Their Families Presenting With Headache and Low Serum 25-OH Vitamin D Levels to a Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinic

Background : Primary headaches are common in childhood and may be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) rs1544410 (BsmI) polymorphism has been implicated in neurological disorders, including headaches. Objective : To assess the association between VDR rs1544410 polymorphism and primary headaches in children and their families. Methods : A prospective case-control study was conducted at Turgut Özal University Faculty of Medicine. The study included 8 pediatric patients with primary headaches, 20 family members with vitamin D deficiency and headaches, and 36 age-matched healthy controls. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP. Serum 25-OH vitamin D levels were measured. Results: Patients had significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to controls (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in VDR rs1544410 genotype distributions between patients, family members, and controls (p > 0.05). Genotype frequencies were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Conclusions : Although a potential association between VDR rs1544410 polymorphism and childhood primary headaches is suggested, no statistically significant results were observed. Further studies with larger cohorts are warranted.